Thursday, March 6, 2008

The truth about Biodiesel

You're in for a real treat, two posts in one day. I was reading the news and just couldn't help myself.  The BBC's recent report that food prices and shortages are expected to rise in developing nations around the world didn't come as a shock. However, it was somewhat disconcerting to discover one major causes of this problem is the high demand of biofuels.  Damn you Willie Nelson! Here I thought you were acting socially progressive when it's your lifestyle that give Sally Struthers a job. Alright, so I'm being melodramatic, but this completely blew my mind. According to the report food prices will rise as high as forty percent, causing impoverished nations to make dietary sacrifices. I couldn't help but roll my eyes when I saw that Afghanistan was one of the hardest hit when wheat prices rose sixty percent last year. (Please reference my last blog post on helping the poor and repairing international reputation). I am all about finding alternative sources of energy, but it seems that an exploding global population and low food stores trumps any country singer's agenda. Let's hope that the Ford Escort that runs on water is indeed the real McCoy. 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're right, big oil is not the enemy, Willie Nelson is. You're right alternative energy is a crutch, fossil fuels is where it's at.

Wish my car ran on water....

Michael said...

I don't think the point here is that fossil fuels are "where it's at" and alternative energy a crutch. I think it's A) vice versa and B) that marc is saying is that biodiesel that can potentially deplete much needed fuel supplies are maybe not the best alternative available.

Solar, wind, water are all viable options. Even - heavens forbid I say the "N" word - nuclear. But yeah, I'd prefer water. Or garbage, like the Delorian in Back to the Future II. That'd be pretty sweet.

BF said...

It is as simple as this: it’s time to think about the future! Fossil fuels will not last forever, nor do we know the true effects. Whether or not fossil fuels cause global warming is beyond the point. Fossil fuels must be replaced as soon as possible; it’s time to figure out true alternatives.