The man often referred to as the “father of the internet and the godfather of global warming”, Al Gore is working to create a new top-level web domain called .eco. The proposed .eco domain is designed for companies and individuals that are truly committed to green initiatives and are willing to be totally transparent as to what measures they are taking.

Al Gore is backing the group Dot Eco, LLC, but that is not the only group working to gain control of the proposed new domain. Big Room is another group in competition with the Al Gore project. The fight for control may a bit confusing to those of us who truly are concerned about the environment. Although both of these organizations, and others, are concerned about the environment, the struggle for control seems to be financially motivated. The winner in the struggle to control the .eco domain will control who can purchase a domain and what the cost will be. In addition, the mission of these two groups in particular vary somewhat.

Dot Eco, LLC simply states their goal of providing a domain that expresses the concern a company or individual has for the environment and create a focused means of accessing environmental initiative information. Domain owners would agree to donate a percentage of profits to global green initiatives.

Big Room goes a step or two further. They want domain owners to be fully accountable for any environmental actions taken and those not taken. The Big Room proposal includes making company information fully available worldwide and offers an active exchange of valuable information through the system.

Both programs seem to be viable however there is question as to whether competition is the best way to achieve a positive goal. If the overall purpose is to provide a means for environmentally responsible or progressive companies, organizations and individuals to connect and be more accessible to the world, the basic principles should all be the same.

Both, Dot Eco, LLC and Big Room are heading in the right direction, but why can’t they work together rather than in competition? Again, the danger is that competition for financial control will continue to hinder real progress. A quick look at history reminds us that much of the hardship humans experience is due to the selfish greed of corporate and individual concerns. The only real solution to the environmental dangers that face us all is cooperation in action.