April 15, 2008 - 6:20 PM
Former United States Vice President Al Gore has been awarded an honorary doctorate by one of Switzerland's most prestigious university institutions.
The Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne conferred him the title for his work in publicising the issue of climate change.
The ceremony was attended by 1,500 guests, including Swiss President Pascal Couchepin, and coincided with the institute's Research Day on Tuesday.
Couchepin praised the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winner as a politician with a strong commitment to environmental issues.
The institute also announced the creation of a privately funded chair dedicated to sustainable development.
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Gore_wins_academic_honours_in_Lausanne.html?siteSect=104&sid=8976393&cKey=1208280434000&ty=nd