If Oprah Talks, Will People Listen?

Yes, I sometimes take my lunch late and watch Oprah. Today I have no problem admitting it. I would like to think that I witnessed a world-changing event. Or at least a U.S.-changing event. Because, usually, when Oprah talks, people listen.

Today (27 October 2005), Oprah brought global warming to the average American household.

After giving away $100,000 to two women who turned in a man charged with child abuse, Oprah welcomed Leonardo DiCaprio on to talk about global warming.

First she and Leonardo attempted to put into normal-speak an explanation of global warming, and why we should worry about it.

I think the movement could use a better spokesperson. In fact, Oprah did a better job of explaining the issue for her audience than Leo did. I mean, I'm glad he's doing this, but he could use some coaching in how to speak about it.

The topic of peak oil (without calling it that) also came up, as our dependence on oil was named the #2 cause of global warming (after coal), and that this oil was running out. Then they talked about ways that the normal person could make a difference. The top three recommendations were:

1. Buy compact florescent light bulbs for at least the top five most used lights in your home. (If everyone in the U.S. did this, it would be the equivalent of getting 8 million cars off the road.)
   
2. Get rid of your SUV and buy a hybrid or other fuel-efficient car. (Oprah admitted that she drives one of the five worst SUVs -- in terms of pollution and mileage -- on the market. Why didn't diCaprio challenge her to get rid of it?!)
   
3. When making a major appliance purchase look for the energy star label that indicates high efficiency.
   

Here's what I wrote to Oprah after the show:

Kudos to you for discussing global warming.
And Oprah... what will it take for you to give up that SUV? How about using yourself-- as you so often do-- as a model -- this time for becoming more environmentally conscious?

• Make some sort of challenge to encourage others to give up their gas-guzzlers. Perhaps start with your colleagues-- other celebrities. But also be sure to encourage us "normal folk".
  
• When you give things away, give environmentally-conscious things away.
  
• Get Nate to take on making "green" renovations-- not to fancy multi-million dollar homes, but to the homes of the "rest of us".
  
• Encourage people to conduct home energy audits (it's going to be cold and heating fuel will be expensive this year).
  
• Commit to printing O Magazine on recycled paper with soy-based ink.
  

You are the most powerful woman in the world and people pay attention. You started making a HUGE contribution to public understanding of global warming with today's show. Now follow through!

I realize now I would have added something about diapers. At the end of the show, Oprah presented the disturbing facts about how many diapers fill the landfill every day. And that they don't break down for several years. But she didn't offer a solution. So instead of making all those moms feel bad, what can they DO?

All in all, though, I thought it was a great show, and I am eager to see what happens next...