In fact, it’s pretty clear who’s really the slave to Big Oil / Big Polluter special interests. I mean, we don’t have to look any further than who’s in the White House, now.

You said: “This whole concept of offsetting CO2 emissions is laughable, and is just another example of how limousine liberals like Al Gore think.”

I’m not sure you’ve actually demonstrated why the concept is laughable.

1. Paying to support efforts which specifically reduce CO2 production definitely does functionally offset CO2 pollution created by individuals. This is fairly solidly attested.

2. Natural disasters, such as volcanoes, generate huge amounts of pollutions, yes. And one is tempted to imagine that the massive scale on which they act would easily dwarf anything mankind could do. But the fact is, we’re actually pretty industrious polluters, when it comes down to it.

There is ample scientific evidence showing that the pollution from manmade causes is far greater than from natural sources. Much more than volcanoes, much more than lightning-induced brushfires, etc.

A good synopsis of this is from the University of North Dakota, here. As they note, for CO2, sulfur and heavy metals, manmade sources are significantly higher contributors than volcanoes.

Hence, it’s fairly sound thinking to be talking about offsetting pollution. But it’s not INTUITIVE, and a lot of people still have misconceptions about the science and biases against the messengers. All the more reason why people like Gore are needed to educate folks on the issues. He’s actually doing us a good public service.

http://www.jibjab.com/JokeBox/JokeBox_JJOrig.aspx?movieid=48