By CCN.com: At a commencement speech at Tulane University in New Orleans, Apple CEO Tim Cook had some harsh words for the parents of Tulane’s class of ’19.

During his speech at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Cook said:

“In some important ways, my generation has failed you.”

He added:

“We have spent too much time debating, we have been too focused on the fight, and not focused enough on progress.”

Cook made a reference to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005:

“You don’t need to look far to find an example of that failure…Here today, in this very place, where thousands once found desperate shelter from a hundred-year disaster — the kind that seem to be happening more and more frequently — I don’t think we can talk about who we are as people and what we owe to one another without talking about climate change.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2S9i_Hn2k

Elon Musk Would Appreciate the Apple CEO’s Message

Tim Cook’s message was probably insulting to his generation, especially all the parents who were there. It’s really unlikely he meant to be insulting, however. The Apple CEO most likely intended it as an urgent message to take better care of the planet.

Someone who no doubt would appreciate the speech is Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He has been on a climate change kick, most recently touting the lengths that the electrical-vehicle maker goes to ensure not only that its carbon footprint is in check but also that it’s doing its part to clean up the environment. Musk tweeted:

“Because a Tesla produces no emissions & filters most toxins, pollen, spores & viruses, it actually cleans up surrounding air as it travels.”

Because a Tesla produces no emissions & filters most toxins, pollen, spores & viruses, it actually cleans up surrounding air as it travels — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2019

One of Musk’s followers challenged him on battery production, in response to which the Tesla CEO said:

“No worse than production of a gasoline car, provided the lithium-ion battery cathode is primarily nickel vs cobalt. Nickel is the main alloying ingredient in stainless steel, which is what knives & forks are made of.”

According to Apple’s website, “iPhone batteries use lithium-ion technology.”

The Climate Change Crowd Really Needs to Loosen Up

It is seriously cold to tell a bunch of students at their college graduation that their parents have failed them in some important ways, in front of their parents. Apple’s Cook then suggested the death and devastation of a natural disaster was partially their fault. Keep being that cold and maybe global warming won’t be a problem.

There is nothing wrong with Cook challenging graduates to be better than the status quo. But those parents were there to celebrate the success of something they’ve no doubt invested more money in than it would cost to buy a Tesla Model S. Nonetheless, New Orleans was gracious to Apple’s Cook and seemed to show him a good time.

Music and food are the soul of New Orleans. Love seeing the gumbo of arts, learning and technology at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music where community becomes family. pic.twitter.com/YDk100ZZ3q — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 18, 2019