Branson Gas Prize

Wealthy Brit Richard Branson has decided to offer a prize to solve the problems of greenhouse gases and global warming. In his mind, man started it so man should fix it.

British tycoon Sir Richard Branson on Friday announced a $25 million prize for the scientist who comes up with a way of extracting greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

It's ironic that a man with billions will only pony up $25 million while, at the same time, he's breathless in his attitude of deep-felt concern and alarm.

Hey, Branson, if it's really the end of the world, throw some serious money at it, not chump change. A billion-dollar-prize would be serious enough money to convince people that you're truly one of Al Gore's disciples.

Now, I am aware that this is not the first time that Branson has jawboned about climate change and dangled dollar figures in the airwaves. To my knowledge, though, it is the first time cash prize money has been offered by Branson. And it doesn't even match the $27 million offered for information leading to Osama bin Laden's arrest.

Come on, Sir Richard, don't let Osama's carcass to be worth more than saving the planet. Bump your prize.