James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award
Sponsored by Applied Materials, Inc.
The James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose broad vision and leadership are helping to address humanity's greatest challenges. The Award was inspired by Applied Materials Chairman, Jim Morgan. Jim demonstrates in his work and his philanthropy that technology can unleash the potential in all of us and turn our ideas into concrete solutions for a better world and that corporations can play a vital role in helping identify and extend the benefits of technology to those who need them most.
Jim Morgan received the National Medal of Technology for his industry leadership and his vision in building Applied Materials into the world's leading semiconductor equipment company. He also offers his time and guidance to organizations including The Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Santa Clara University, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley, World Presidents' Organization, and The Nature Conservancy. He is a founder and steadfast supporter of The Tech Awards.
2009 Global Humanitarian - former Vice President Al Gore
Nobel Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore has been named the 2009 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award recipient by The Tech Museum as part of its international program, The Tech Awards, presented by Applied Materials. Gore will accept the top honor during The Tech Awards Gala November 19th, where 15 innovators from around the world will be celebrated for applying technology in creative and practical ways to solve humanitarian problems in Health, Education, Environment, Economic Development, and Equality. The event takes place at San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA.
Gore was selected for his worldwide work on environmental affairs - in particular, raising global awareness of climate change.
"I am honored to be a recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award and am encouraged that so many people are working to solve the climate crisis," Gore said. "I appreciate The Tech Museum for offering me this platform to continue to try to raise awareness of global warming and the challenges and opportunities that lie before us."
Gore has won worldwide acclaim for his environmental activities. In 2007, he and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In that same year, Gore was named by Time magazine as runner-up for its Person of the Year. In 2006, he won an Oscar for "An Inconvenient Truth," a film focused on his unwavering campaign to curb global warming.
"Gore was among the first to bring the focus of average citizens to the environment and economic dangers that climate change poses to our planet," said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials. "In the spirit of Silicon Valley, Al Gore's warning on climate change was accompanied by an urgent call to action that has helped to ignite passion and excite children, adults and entrepreneurs around the world to harness innovation and new technology toward constructive solutions to save our planet."
Gore served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001, after having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. He was the Democratic nominee for president in 2000.
Peter Friess, president of The Tech Museum, said Gore's unswerving activism must be the example to which we aspire to eradicate the world's greatest inequities.
"Climate change is a central issue of our time and Al Gore has contributed greatly to exposing the burgeoning problem and its effects if left unaddressed," Friess said. "With Al Gore's selection as this year's humanitarian award recipient, The Tech Museum now takes its seat at the table of global debate, where we will engage in provocative discussions aimed at enlightening our visitors and inspiring them to action in the face of universal challenges."
