Google linked with global warming

Hi

I heard about this today and my first thought was "what a complete load of twaddle".

So I googled it and got this link to a CBS article. Reading it, the "professor" apparently likes to simplify his models as he suggests that

a typical search on a desktop computer generates about 7 grams of carbon dioxide, which is comparable to bringing a kettle to boil

Clearly he forgets many things, like how much water is in the kettle (did you fill it only to use 250ml), is this an electric kettle or a gas one? There will be an enormous difference as the electric one (which itself releases no carbon) will actually result in the power station releasing many times more than the gas one.

But aside from that the next thing which comes to mind is "Right, why only google? Do you think Alta vista will generate less?" After all, hes put the blame on Google and they are not the only search engine.

I mean seriously if we wish to consider our global energy consumption how about we mind the pounds and let the pennies remain insignificant. Despite the well-intended-ness of the saying "mind your pennies and the pounds will look after themselves" the problem is that they don't.

• I live in an apartment with an elevator, perfectly healthy people use it to go up one floor rather than walk, how much green house gas is that?
• every bit of junk advertising you get costs energy in making and delivering it..
• What about that printed copy of your news paper?
• Heck, do you run water while you're cleaning your teeth? (think of the energy needed in pumping and treating that water)

My advice is to stop worrying about the trivial and be more concerned with stuff you can fix, walk or bicycle to work; reduce unrequired car trips and while your at it unrequired poor driving (which uses more fuel) and wasting resources (which all need energy and thus generate green house gases).

sheesh ... where do all these folks come from, an alternative dimension?

Google has actually addressed this question, and the answer they have is here.