[NetBehaviour] We won't fly for art : Take the Pledge

[Tim Cowlishaw]

> What is the carbon footprint of using Skype? Massive server-farms  
> probably
> have footprints similar to airports. Has anyone done a comparative  
> analysis
> on this?

Skype actually uses a peer-to-peer protocol, so there shouldn't be any  
need for huge server farms (although the network infrastructure your  
comms pass through would be a factor). However, when you consider the  
fraction of that server farm's resources that's taken up by your one  
conversation / presentation / whatever,  i'd imagine it'd be tiny,  
compared to your share of the resources used by an aeroplane flight  
anywhere to have the same conversation or presentation. If  
circumstances make it necessary for someone to fly, that's one thing -  
however, it's simply disingenuous to suggest that it might be a  
'greener' option than online communications.

Cheers,

Tim