Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said here on Monday that Turkey can play as a leader in climate policy.

"Turkey has the capacity to provide leadership and support for the changes in policy that we need," Gore said when speaking at the Leaders of Change Summit 2011.

Citing Turkey's role as a model for how Islam and democracy can coexist, he added that this is just one example of the capacity Turkey has for leadership.

He also warned that Turkey is at risk of drastic increase in drought potential by the end of the century, starting in the 2030s.

Gore suggested that Turkey is perfectly positioned between North Africa, the Middle East and Europe to become a lynchpin in a potential wind and solar energy grid.