I am really surprised by Google's announcement that they will be a carbon neutral site by end of 07. They will do this by reducing energy consumption, investing in renewable energy sources, and purchasing carbon offsets. What surprises me is the third on the list. Carbon offsets have come under such heavy criticism in the blogosphere that I'm surprised someone like Google would still consider it a viable option for helping the environment. It isn't truly an offset because it does nothing to reduce the amount of carbon produced and many worry that it actually does more damage by creating more carbon and reducing the price of carbon emitting fuels through increased competition. On top of all that, it's been seen as a yuppie pay out of responsibility by those that really do care. I'm really, really surprised by this move.

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