KT edit: A carbon-neutral world

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Published: Tue 15 Sep 2020, 8:52 AM

Last updated: Tue 15 Sep 2020, 10:57 AM


Big Tech's environmentalism and its ability to imbed eco-consciousness into its operations could give a massive push to a greener way of life and lead to a mindset shift in an industry that is known to be energy-guzzler. A lot of companies have already pledged to produce more sustainable products and clean up the manufacturing process, and have been announcing the milestones achieved in this journey to become carbon neutral. The Big Tech has committed to become carbon-free, which means wiping out its entire carbon footprint by investing in carbon offsets. Google on Monday announced its plans to make its data centres and offices carbon-free by 2030. According to chief executive Sundar Pichai, Google has already wiped out its entire carbon footprint. Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, too, have made similar commitments and have different timelines ranging from a decade or two from this year to achieve their targets. 
The companies should be lauded for such targets and ambitions, but the tricky part is how do governments verify such claims? It is tough to gauge a company's environmental credentials. Investing in new-tech means allowing carbon to be absorbed from the atmosphere is still quantifiable, but if the companies are looking to lock up their emissions by planting more trees, how do they ensure that trees are not dug up or burnt down? A carbon-neutral world is not just a glorified ambition anymore, it has become a goal that must be achieved for the sake of future generations.
 

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