Causecast

by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer

A little less talk and a lot more action. That’s what Google is hoping to emanate with their push for eco-conscious operations as the world approaches the December Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. It’s a good thing because Google is responsible for ridiculous amounts of energy consumption worldwide. Think about it, do you know how many people Google everyday? You would have to Google it to find out! By investing in renewable resources, raising global awareness on climate change, and their expanding energy efficient technology, Google sets the trend in doing green business.

In the coming weeks, Google is expected to announce details on their collaboration with international space observation groups in an effort to curb deforestation. Google, with their satellite technology, will aid in monitoring forests and deforestation practices. Worldwide deforestation is blamed for emitting approximately twenty-percent of CO2 emissions and the only efficient way to measure changes in forest density is from space. With philanthropy in mind, Google.org has developed an initiative to pursue renewable energy that costs less than coal: RE<C. Currently they are working with solar and wind-powered technologies but are researching other resources as well, including renewable wave energy.

Google Earth, you know the application where you can go Enemy of the State and get a satellite view of your neighbor’s backyard, is unleashing new avenues in raising public awareness on Climate Change. Google Earth tours explain how we can fight climate change and further explores the solutions for managing impact.

It gets better. For Blog Action Day, Google opened up their energy efficient headquarters for a cyber-tour. The Google HQ campus doesn’t mess around. They have 9,212 solar panels producing enough renewable energy to power 1,000 homes. The facilities on campus are built from sustainable materials and are Cradle to Cradle certified. Employees can swap out their cars and carpool on the energy efficient company shuttle, ride their bikes, or use other methods of self powered transportation, to earn Google “points” that eventually translate into donation dollars for their favorite charity. This is my favorite: Google uses goats instead of lawnmowers to cut the grass on campus (for fire-hazard reduction). Seriously. The company says it is about the same cost as mowing, it’s just a lot quieter and emits zero greenhouse gases. Nice work, Google.

You can take part in the fight against climate change. The UN Climate Change Conference starts December 7 in Copenhagen. Be part of the millions demanding a solution and sign the Seal the Deal petition for action against climate change.

If you have an innovative solution, Google is looking for a few creative brains to push their RE<C project. Contact the Google Energy Team and who knows, maybe you and Google will stop Global Warming. I’m thinking a Nobel Prize could be in your future.

Check out the videos on Google Earth tours and educate yourself on climate change.

Photo by gruntzooki, flickr.