Well, here we are, at the end of Grist's illustrious series on biofuels. We've thrown a lot of information at you, and we hope it's becoming clear why biofuel production is a big, Relevant Thing that deserves your attention. But just in case you need more proof, behold: Grist's Top 10 Reasons To Give a Hoot About Biofuels.
10. The future is now. Sure, it may feel like biofuels are some fringe thing, popping up in zany online eco-publications and only occasionally mentioned in the "real world." But biofuels are here, and they're mainstream. There are currently 4 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. capable of running on E85; every single gasoline-powered car in the nation can run on gasoline blended with up to 10 percent ethanol; and thousands of diesel commercial fleets run on biodiesel. You -- yes, you! -- may be able to bio-fill up right now.
9. The Hill is alive with the sound of biofuels. Politicians are talking about biofuels. Those in favor will be -- actually, already are -- hyping the technology big-time. And since they're paid to represent you, you wanna be able to let them know what you think, right?
8. The TV is also alive with the sound of biofuels. Live Green, Go Yellow already interrupts America's Next Top Model, and biofuel ads are only going to become more omnipresent as time goes on. Is there truth in advertising? It's worth investigating, instead of sitting slack-jawed on your sofa.
7. All your basics are belong to us. Think fuel has nothing to do with the environmental issues you care about? Think again. Biofuels production is tied up with food production, wildlife habitat, water scarcity, environmental justice, and plenty of other hippie tree-hugger causes.
6. Hip to it. Hot bands are touring on biofueled buses, and celebs and billionaires are getting into the game. Not that you would jump off a bridge if they did, but it's nice to be in vogue.
5. Whatever drives you. The U.S. transportation sector emitted nearly 2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2005. Getting yourself around is one of the key ways you make an eco-impact, and thinking about smarter ways to do it is just common sense.
4. Ignorance is remiss. Biofuels knowledge is your hot ticket to being the life of the cocktail party. If you have some sort of green inclination, you're likely to be queried about this "biofuels" thing, and an informed opinion is a greenie's best friend.
3. A reason for every care. Biofuel production is, at its purest, an attempt to wean the world's addiction to oil. Oil production, as you no doubt know, is connected to climate change, geopolitical instability, pollution, transportation infrastructure, health, socioeconomic disparity, war, and general quality of life. Among other things.
2. Oil and trouble. The bad news: Oil sucks. The good bad news: It's running out. What will replace it? There are a lot of alt-energy options out there, and the more you know about them, the better.
1. Grist says so. We've got our finger on the pulse of the green world, if we do say so ourselves, and we think this biofuels issue is darn important. So read up! You just might learn something.
Corn-based meat and ethanol: burning the planet to a crisp
Two new documentaries—‘Crude’ and ‘Fuel’—examine two sides of our petroleum problem
Comments
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Biodiversivist Posted 8:37 am
15 Dec 2006
The grain is being diverted from the human food chain. People eat the animals fed by that grain. Amazing.
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millercs Posted 12:08 pm
15 Dec 2006
Using CTs we can cleanly produce significant quantities of biofuels and green chemicals, while cogenerating electricity. At the same time we will be reducing our need for landfills - which will reduce ghg and a major source of ground and air pollution.
This is happening. CTs already exist in Japan and Europe. Los Angeles has passed a comprehensive 20-year plan called "RENEW L.A." that will utilize CTs to cleanly convert 75-85% of its waste that is not currently being recycled into green electricity and biofuels. L.A.'s Public Works and Sanitation utilities are already developing outreach programs and RFPs for construction of facilities.
Forget all the drawbacks of cultivating feedstock - let's extend our recycling efforts by using CTs. Doing so will reduce urban blight significantly.
CTs can also be used to convert agricultural and forestry waste.
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Jason D Scorse Posted 2:07 pm
15 Dec 2006
biodiverisity is right- essentially all grain is for human consumption- 90% is wasted going through the guts of chickens, cows, and pigs
you won't be surprised that I say we do away with all subsidies- if the fuels are efficient they should be able to compete on their own
J.S.
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ioman01 Posted 3:40 pm
15 Dec 2006
Regards,
Keith R
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Orfintain Posted 11:01 am
17 Dec 2006
The above link is a company that sells algae that grows in smoke stacks. This is another carbon negative biomass source that although may not be able to scale super large, will still play a significant role.
Thanks Scott good post
and thanks to grist for working on the series
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nachovaca Posted 3:07 pm
02 Jan 2007
I've been wondering about this since a friend pointed it out. Maybe it's just my ignorance of agriculture.
If bio fuels are made out of plants. Where will the water to water them will come? Won't that drain our drinking water reserves?
Thanks
Nacho
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