Dell has become the first major computer manufacturer to commit to neutralizing the carbon impact of its worldwide operations, a significant extension of its global climate policy and environmental stewardship.

"Never before in the history of business have we seen such a critical need to build a worldwide community dedicated to improving the environment," Michael Dell, the company's chairman and CEO, said during a policy forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Leadership starts at home, which is why we are going carbon-neutral, but this should only be the beginning of building long-term partnerships with customers, stakeholders and suppliers of all sizes to team up and make a difference for the Earth we all share," Mr. Dell said.

Dell issued a challenge to its peer companies during Mr. Dell's speech to join in "a long-term, carbon-neutral commitment to our shared Earth."  The company also announced a new program called "Plant a Forest for Me" (www.dell.com/plantaforest) that enables organizations worldwide to join together with Dell and share best practices, partner and facilitate the planting of millions of trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects. This program is a continuation of the "Plant a Tree for Me" (www.dell.com/plantatree) program for consumers.

The founding members of "Plant a Forest for Me" include Dell, ABN AMRO, AMD, Ask.com, Salesforce.com and WellPoint.  Each company has committed to offsetting part of their carbon output by purchasing trees for Plant a Forest. Dell partners with The Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org, non-profit organizations that facilitate the tree planting.

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