[LINK] Carbon Neutral Linux Computers, Canberra, 21 November 2007

[Stephen Wilson]

On 19/11/2007 Tom Worthington wrote:

> A study sponsored by the Australian Computer Society has shown that 
> computers and telecommunications equipment in Australia generated 7.94Mt 
> of carbon dioxide in 2005, 1.52% of national emissions. 

Really?  Computers don't emit greenhouse gasses -- power stations do!

> Tom Worthington [will] demonstrate a new low power "thin client" computer 
> using a "carbon neutral" processor.

I am all for energy efficiency; we need to do much more to cut energy 
waste (and light pollution while we're at it).  But surely the fad for 
"carbon neutrality" in the home and office is blame shifting.

If we transitioned to clean energy sources, then (within reason) we 
could all run air conditioners and computers, guilt free. The cynic in 
me suggests that the carbon neutrality craze is driven by the fossil 
fuel industry, and weak willed governments, addicted to mined energy. 
It's a smokescreen. We even have reality TV shows (even on our ABC for 
godsake!) that put the onus on humble householders to save the planet. 
They lull the public into the complacency of doing their bit, while Rome 
burns.

Cheers,

Stephen Wilson

Lockstep
www.lockstep.com.au
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