The technology that could save the planet - A blog by Marc Gunther

 What if the technology we need to curb climate change turns out to be not a solar panel, smart grid or electric car battery but social media powered by cellphones, laptops and online networks like Facebook?

As I prepare to leave today for the climate negotiations in Copenhagen, I’m struck by–actually, flooded, overwhelmed, swamped and dizzied by–the sheer volume of user-generated content coming out of Copenhagen, much of it created by people in their 20s and 30s. Groups like 350.org and the Youth Climate Movement (”It’s getting hot in here”) and TckTckTck (”right now your leaders are deciding our future”). It’s not just the kids, of course: Traditional NGOs are also blogging and tweeting like crazy from Copenhagen, as are the mainstream media (Juliet Elperin of The Washington Post is worth following on the Post Carbon blog), and even global companies are tapping into the power of social media to spread information. The real-time carbon counter below comes courtesy of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division; it was launched earlier this year in Times Square and now can be seen on blogs and websites around the world.

Of course, those who want to block climate regulation are using social media as well. The controversy known as ClimateGate has been fueled by conservative blogs (and of course it wouldn’t have been possible without stolen email). Here’s a tweet from Sarah Palin about her op-ed in The Washington Post.

continue reading.