Response
Just a quick response to Aaron's comment to my hypocrite post. The question of global warming was not what I was debating. I honestly have not done enough research on the matter. Thank you for your points. I plan on taking a closer look at that report you mentioned. I do disagree on your point that focus on Al's hypocrisy is not important. Anytime someone steps into the spotlight and begins to impress that people change their habits, that person should begin with himself. When dealing with an issue as serious as global warming I find it hard to believe Al when his home burns more energy per month than the most families burn in a year. It tends to diminish his point.
4 comments:
I guess my concern is that by focusing on Gore's alleged hypocrisy that people will feel global warming is some trumped up problem Gore invented for his own benefit and not the real problem that it is.
But, here is what Gore is doing:
1) Gore’s family has taken numerous steps to reduce the carbon footprint of their private residence, including signing up for 100 percent green power through Green Power Switch, installing solar panels, and using compact fluorescent bulbs and other energy saving technology.
2) Gore has had a consistent position of purchasing carbon offsets to offset the family’s carbon footprint — a concept the right-wing fails to understand. Gore’s office explains:
What Mr. Gore has asked is that every family calculate their carbon footprint and try to reduce it as much as possible. Once they have done so, he then advocates that they purchase offsets, as the Gore’s do, to bring their footprint down to zero.
Highlighting Gore and trying to discredit him is a way for those opposed to fighting global warming science to suppress action, and it is getting us nowhere.
Well it looks as if we are in complete agreement. People do feel that global warming is a trumped up problem precisely because of Gore's hypocrisy. If indeed he is doing what you say then I applaud him as I do anyone who acts responsibly. My biggest criticism remains that before you stand on your pedestal and dictate to the masses you must not give anyone reason to doubt what you have to say. It looks as if your concern is a valid one Aaron.
Call me silly, but I cannot see how purchasing carbon offsets can really help decrease global warming. It's like buying absolution. The "carbon footprint" is still there. I would really like to "follow the money" to see if it is used to help as "they"(who are 'they' anyway) say it will.
How can you verify that your purchase of carbon offsets is actually reducing carbon emissions? Do we need carbon trading to reduce carbon emissions, or can we reduce carbon emissions without carbon trading? And who are the brokers for carbon offsets? Do they make a percentage? It all seems a little 'fishey' to me and a whole lot like "Well, if I drive this great big SUV and fly all over the world and use energy like water... I can just offset my guilt by forking over a percentage." Oh, and by the way, who figures the percentage and how are the offsets calculated and who drew up the chart...
Hummmm...
Interesting..
After reading through the comments on the entire Global Warming issue, I feel, as a person cursed with an Earth Day birthday, that I must chime in briefly. Whether your on the side of Al Gore and the "Inconvenient Truth" crowd or on the other side where people think we're not hurting the Earth, the issue of conservation and performing Earth-friendly acts should be a no brainer. Besides helping out the condition of the earth, many of the conservation methods (turning off lights, conserving water, inflating your tires, etc)all put coin back in your pocket. I, along with many in my particular s.e.s., are feeling the squeeze of today's economy. If I can save a few bucks and help out the environment, I think it's a win win for everybody. Now, with that said, I do believe both sides can go too far. For example, Sheryl Crow (this is a true story) is now proposing a one-sheet per bowel movement movement (for lack of a better term); Sheryl Crow doesn't know that that would practically ruin me and my marriage (since my poor wife would have to deal with those undies). There is also a waterless toilet that, get this, incinerates the "deposits" you provide instead of flushing it away. Now, I don't know where you all fall out on this issue, but a large cauldron of fire right below my precious area scares the crap right out of me. Anyway, to summarize, the debate on global warming will continue to rage...but we should all do our part for the Earth regardless of your polarization to the left, right, or middle. Greg, your blog site is cool...love the clips!
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