2006-09-21 06:22:56 · 15 answers · asked by http://hogshead.pokerknave.com/ 6 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
a 3 billion dollar gimmick?
2006-09-21 06:31:04 · answer #1 · answered by chefzilla65 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't think so. These pledges by corporate leaders such as Bill Gate, Warren Buffet and Richard Branson, along with other more minor foundations, are trend setting events as far as I can see. The enriched private sector seems finally to be accepting its rightful global responsibilities. Very encouraging.
2006-09-21 13:39:59 · answer #2 · answered by ElOsoBravo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Richard Branson is all about Gimmicks! and he's surely smarter than Bush (who doesn't understand any alternatives to war in supplying energy for his nation) or Exxon (who fund research debunking climate change) in recognising that climate change is real and will impact business (including his) in the coming years.
It seems that Richard is ahead of the other players in seeing that transport needs to be sustainable in the long run. I think he can do it since he has a big company that is not only focused on air transport (he owns trains as well and other companies), and it's a great thing since he will develope Virgin Fuels, a new company focused on alternative energy resources.
Good luck to him, it's real, he if anyone can do it.
2006-09-21 14:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Its like puttng the fox in charge of the hen house.
He could instantly reduce polution by raising his prices so less people would travel.
Big deal, he's made multi-millions from providing pollution creating services and NOW he's got his money, he's saying we should do something about it.
He should also scrap his space transport company, how is that going to help reduce polution ?
I did have a lot of respect for RB, but this is one publicity stunt too far - its hypocritical.
2006-09-22 03:41:49 · answer #4 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a gimmick, but it is not merely humanetarian act either. He could easily efford the money he is donating, when you keep in mind that he is giving it over a period of years, not today.
Also, that money gives him a great tax break as it is for charity. And of course, it promotes him, and his company, as a good samaritan. Public these days prefers "green" companies, and the rich people who do something for the climate.
So it's business and charity tied together.
2006-09-21 18:08:56 · answer #5 · answered by Dolly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sir Richard wanted to build his own refineries until some hippie convinced him to invest in biofuels but these have to be added to existing fossil fuels anyway so it seems to me biofuels have little impact, except on farming, and farming destroys natural forests so I say it's better the devil you know, so keep churning out the carbon, but find a way to save the trees.
2006-09-21 13:55:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gimmick or not he is putting his own money where his mouth is and he is also aware that air travel is the biggest polluter,
Thank you Mr. Branson every little helps
2006-09-21 13:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by AndyPandy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If he actually donates the money then no. At this stage it is a good gimmick/marketing ploy though.
We'll have to wait and see.
2006-09-21 13:37:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. It's too much money to be just a gimmick. He's putting his money where his mouth is.
2006-09-21 13:37:33 · answer #9 · answered by CHEYENNE 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a good gesture from Mr Branston pickle if only our government were as good as this guy we would be much better off !!
2006-09-21 14:56:02 · answer #10 · answered by Jabba_da_hut_07 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋