carbon credits to offset the energy that will be used by him to fly to Norway for the ceremony on December 10th and buy more credits to offset the power used to hold the ceremony to present him with his award.
Yes, this is a shot at buying carbon credits as an alternative to actually making changes in how you live.
I like Gore and his goals for the environment but that doesn't mean I have to agree with how he thinks we should get there. I'm also wary of the intent of his company Generation Investment Management.
I never understood the criticism of carbon offsets, since they're a perfectly valid market mechanism. The thing people don't realize is that capitalism can work just fine being green. There is no need for an economic downturn being green. None.
I don't know where he buys his offsets. Offsets are like a feel good bandaid. I don't want to change how I live so I'll just use my money to buy myself reassurance that I'm doing good for the environment. It's not a solution it is a payoff for rich people. No different than Bush's policy that allows coal burning power plants to exceed pollution standards if the company pays to plant trees or has another plant that meets the standards by a certain amount.
But we have to get companies interested in spending money on it. I think the government needs to step in and start doing things slowly. Schwarzenegger in California signed a bill that requires housing developers in Cali to offer solar shingles as an option to buyers of all new homes. Most buy the option which provides about 50% of the power for the home. Small steps like that will do wonders for the big steps to come.
12. I agree - the people are ready, we just need more leadership...
Green housing is really exciting imo! Arnold has done a number of good things in CA, and various cities have taken a lead ~ now we have to do it all on a national scale.
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