In a New York Times op ed, Al Gore delivers “the good news” — “the bold steps that are needed to solve the climate crisis are exactly the same steps that ought to be taken in order to solve the economic crisis and the energy security crisis.”

But of course it’ll take a lot more than saying so.  And with that in mind, Gore lays it on us.  A few of the hightlights of the piece:

» Gore calls “‘clean coal’ too imaginary to make a difference in protecting either our national security or the global climate.”

» A five-part plan which includes:

1. “Large-scale investment in incentives for the construction” of generators of renewable power across the nation
2. “Planning and construction of a unified national smart grid for the transport of renewable electricity”
3. Helping America’s auto industry “(not only the Big Three but the innovative new startup companies as well) to convert quickly to plug-in hybrids”
4. “A nationwide effort to retrofit buildings with better insulation and energy-efficient windows and lighting.”
5. Leading the way “by putting a price on carbon here at home, and by leading the world’s efforts to replace the Kyoto treaty next year in Copenhagen with a more effective treaty that caps global carbon dioxide emissions and encourages nations to invest together in efficient ways to reduce global warming pollution quickly, including by sharply reducing deforestation.”