Googling isn't green

Apparently, googling could increase carbon dioxide levels. Foxnews.com reports:

Performing two Google searches from a desktop computer can generate about the same amount of carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle for a cup of tea, according to new research.

While millions of people tap into Google without considering the environment, a typical search generates about 7g of CO2. Boiling a kettle generates about 15g.

“Google operates huge data centers around the world that consume a great deal of power,” said Alex Wissner-Gross, a Harvard University physicist whose research on the environmental impact of computing is due out soon. “A Google search has a definite environmental impact.”

Google is secretive about its energy consumption and carbon footprint. It also refuses to divulge the locations of its data centers. However, with more than 200m internet searches estimated globally daily, the electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions caused by computers and the internet is provoking concern. A recent report by Gartner, the industry analysts, said the global IT industry generated as much greenhouse gas as the world’s airlines - about 2% of global CO2 emissions.

With Google searches increasing CO2 emissions, maybe this is the reason Google CEO Eric Schmidt did not want the chief technology officer position that The One promised he would create. It wouldn't jive with The One's green mind.

I wonder what "internet founder Al" would say about this? His use of the internet, notwithstanding. Anything? Guess not.