Al Gore, along with the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, won the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to raise awareness and educate others on issues regarding man-made client change.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Nobel Peace Prize,” the former Vice President said. “We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity.” Gore also said he would donate his share of the $1.5 million prize to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a non-profit and bipartisan organization.

The Nobel Citations read:  “His strong commitment, reflected in political activity, lectures, films and books, has strengthened the struggle against climate change. He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted.”

A well deserved accolade, indeed.