Didn't we call websites that update without a manual page reload "AJAX" just a few minutes ago? And yes, even if there's no XML present, but at least it's an abuse of a pretty new, web-specific term.
I propose we call all that stuff "FEFYOM" (Fast Enough For You Old Man) from now on.
I'd personally much rather see the source of the problem fixed (reduce carbon emissions). I also hope this doesn't turn into an excuse to clear-cut more rain forests.
i.e. We'll cut down the real trees and replace them with efficient carbon collecting "tree" buildings.
It's way crazier than that: Google has the full text of the web stored in RAM three times over (think about how snippets work on SERPs), in each of the dozens of DCs used for search around the globe.
Think about how epically huge the indexes are into all that data...
Those paper thin spikes are NOT meant for comfort, and aren't for running more than 800 or so meters. For distance events (1600+) spikes resemble more of a running shoe.
What works for me is running in shoes for my workout, and then doing barefoot strides in a grassy field to strengthen my feet and ankles and improve my form. Running barefoot everywhere would be hard, mostly because there aren't a lot of soft trails for bare feet.