Biofuels not the answer, yet
Despite recent crude runup, fuel from plants still 50% pricier; more incentives needed.
Food
China fears a food crisis as imports surge
China has become a net importer of farm produce, raising concerns at the highest levels of government about the security of the food supply for 1.3 billion people as land and water shortages put pressure on domestic grain production.
Dust ‘is hidden climate problem’
The huge amounts of dust blowing across the Earth may have serious consequences for the environment, a scientist says.
County’s farmers launch biofuels co-operative
FARMERS in Pembrokeshire have launched a co-operative to produce, market and supply biofuels.
Carbon negative energy to reverse global warming
Partisan report on potential for coproduction from biomass of charcoal for terra preta soil generation and hydrogen, ammonia and diesel.
Will natural gas prices turn off Louisiana’s chemical industry?
With the cost of a key fuel rising, the state’s chemical plants are closing and thousands of workers are being laid off.
Drought brings Cuba to its knees
Unnoticed by the world, the longest dry period for decades has brought much of Cuba to its knees. Could this be the crisis that finally destroys Fidel’s revolution?
Is Farming Sustainable?
Arthur C. Noll looks at some of the challenges deindustrialized agriculture will face in a post-oil-peak age.
US: Bringing healthy produce to poor neighborhoods
Food activists and small farmers lead project for inner city food security in San Francisco.
Ethanol From Cellulose: Prospects And Implications
Abstract: The last study of the energy balance of producing ethanol from cellulose was back in 1979. It showed that the energy inputs required were 3.3 times the energy contained in the ethanol output. Nevertheless the belief has persisted that producing ethanol from cellulose may become viable. This paper attempts to interpret the most recent plans for improving the process. It concludes that the best plans on the drawing board, at the present time, indicate a positive energy balance, with inputs comprising about 63% of the ethanol output.
NZ: Can Individual Farmer’s Benefit From Wind Power?
New Zealand has an abundant wind resource capable of producing up to 20 percent of our electricity needs.
NASA scientists get global fix on food, wood & fiber use
NASA scientists working with the World Wildlife Fund and others have measured how much of Earth’s plant life humans need for food, fiber, wood and fuel. The study identifies human impact on ecosystems.