A team of US climate scientists using computer models has determined that there is no flexibility in how much greenhouse gas emissions we can continue to emit if we want to stop warming. The only viable goal is zero emissions. The value of this is that it gives us an unsullied goal, one that is easy to measure but very difficult to achieve. In fact I suspect the target we really have to shoot for is a negative emissions goal, one in which sequestration is an equally important part of the total number. This will be necessary to offset the growing demand for and use of energy worldwide by a rapidly growing global population. Those of us in the Western world have a responsibility to go beyond zero in our carbon emissions.

Could we finally stop the insanity over biofuels? They are nothing more than a gimmick created by the purveyors of corn seeds. Dirty, unstable, costly, increases the prices of thousands of other products and extremely dangerous from a carbon cost perspective. Great stuff.

Not.

Bamboo is the hot new ’sustainable’ material because it grows ultra-fast (it’s a grass) and it can be used for everything from building materials to fabrics. And it’s very attractive, durable and cost-efficient. So what’s not to like? Nothing unless this stuff is traveling thousands of miles to reach an end-user. This is a major dilemma of the carbon economy.

I don’t buy a lot of organic products in spite of a commitment to cutting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Why? Because the last quart of organic milk I bought traveled all the way across the US before it got to me. There is a balance to be determined between environmentally beneficial labels like ‘organic’ and ‘fair trade’ and the carbon cost of some of these products above and beyond their other benefits.

I’ve had basic discussions with the optimistic 21st century hippie types who run my local holistic food store and it’s not a comfortable conversation. If you imply that organic milk may actually be bad for the environment if it comes from Oregon and you live in NY, you’re treading in religious belief territory for many folks who’ve been fighting the good fight for a long time.

Unfortunately, carbon cost is now another factor in making buying decisions if you are a responsible consumer. And BTW, buying used and local is a great way to limit carbon costs if you need stuff.

It is rare when my two fascinations, climate issues and Internet marketing, cross paths. However, according to Information Week, broadband usage is going to save the equivalent of 11% of our annual oil imports over the next decade:

” The pervasive use of broadband Internet connections and the tools and practices they enable could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by some 1 billion tons over the next decade, according to the American Consumer Institute. Widespread adoption of broadband in the United States alone would cut energy use by the equivalent of 11% of annual oil imports, the group says.”

As a telecommuter I can tell you that I’m driving far less than when I had a short seven mile commute to work. Given that average commutes in major metros are over 45 minutes each way or 40 miles a day, I can see how broadband makes a dent. Add in the huge savings as business travelers begin to use the really effective teleconferencing services that are starting to emerge and you’ll see big savings in both oil and emissions.

As gas prices rise, and public transport falls behind in its ability to serve increasing demand, alternative work arrangements will become the norm. I see things like temporary centrally-located office spaces being created for face to face meetings that are closer to home for all attendees. Hotels have served this purpose for years and will move even further into the business services sector. I live across the street from a hotel and it would be great if they provided a rental video conference suite for meetings. They may see it as a threat to their core business but it would be more than made up by selling us $7 a cup coffee and $12 croissants…