Wednesday, 18 Apr 2007

Now This Is Corn-fusing

Study says ethanol fuel could cause more health problems than gasoline

Time to trot out Alanis, cuz this is what the kids call "ironic": a study from Stanford University says widespread use of ethanol in vehicles could have serious health effects. Atmospheric scientist Mark Jacobson ran computer models comparing air quality in 2020 based on use of both gasoline and E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline currently seeing a big old political and industrial push. He found that the ethanol blend would produce more ground-level ozone than gasoline, estimating that it could lead to a 4 percent increase in ozone-related deaths nationwide by 2020. The study, published in the online edition of the journal Environmental Science & Technology, also says hospitalizations for respiratory issues could increase and fuel-related cancer rates would likely remain the same. "We found that using E85 will cause at least as much health damage as gasoline," says Jacobson. "The question is, if we're not getting any health benefits, then why continue to promote ethanol?"


Cloud Cult is a quirky indie band that tours in a biodiesel bus with solar panels on the roof. They record and produce music on singer Craig Minowa's organic farm, which also serves as the headquarters for Minowa's nonprofit music label Earthology Records. Their new album The Meaning of 8 is out, they're touring, and if you're near Portland, Ore., or Seattle you can come to a show cosponsored by Grist and radio station KEXP. Minowa talked with David Roberts about where his philosophy stems from, what it takes to clean hundreds of reused CD cases by hand, and why eco-music is a little like Christian rock.

Disagree to Agree

U.N. Security Council hosts feisty climate debate

Yesterday the U.N. Security Council held its first-ever debate on climate change, and the meat of the debate was -- well, whether the debate should be happening at all. With 55 countries speaking, Britain led the pack of those arguing that climate change threatens global security, while China led the MYOB contingent. "The developing countries believe that the Security Council has neither the professional competence in handling climate change, nor is it the right decision-making place for extensive participation leading up to widely acceptable proposals," said Liu Zhenmin, China's deputy ambassador, and countries including Russia, Indonesia, and South Africa got his back. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, who led the session, said she would not undermine other U.N. bodies, but countered, "The Security Council is the forum to discuss issues that threaten the peace and security of the international community ... There are few greater potential threats ... to peace and security itself."


Ah, the joys of buying a home: your own space, your own yard, your own ... ancient oil boiler filling the basement with clouds of smoke? After limping through winter with a cantankerous heating system, a new homeowner in Massachusetts asks advice maven Umbra Fisk what he should do next. Eager to help, Umbra warms up to the options.

We Just Ran This Story So We Could Say "Chunnel"

Eurostar will reduce emissions, offset the rest

Of trains, planes, and automobiles, locomotives already have the best rep for carbon emissions -- but one operator is on track to boost the bar higher. Eurostar, which shuttles commuters under the English Channel, plans to reduce CO2 emissions 25 percent per traveler by 2012. Without raising prices, the company will choo-choose lower-emission electrical generators, electronic tickets, recycled uniforms, local food, and efficient lighting, heating, and air conditioning. It also hopes to fill more empty seats, which probably won't require blow-up dolls; passenger numbers are up 5.4 percent from a year ago. Starting this fall, Eurostar will also offset emissions that aren't eliminated, becoming the world's largest mass-transit operator and first rail service to go carbon neutral. Says peppy Eurostar President Guillaume Pepy, "The public is more and more worried about the environment and every company should take some responsibility."