Alternative fuels: bio-fuel is considered a much better alternative to fossil fuel. It's definitely greener and better for the environment. However, the source of biofuel is usually corn or soya beans, a food crop and this raises the question of whether it's ethical or the right thing to do to set aside acres and acres of land to grow corn to produce biofuel for the benefits of mostly first-world-country-citizens while the third-world-country-citizens suffer in starvation?
Back in the days when I was an auditor, I audited a company which produces biofuel, but they don't use corn. They actually use a weed called jatropha. As it's a weed, it grows very easily, even in almost desert-like conditions, so the cost to grow is very low and as it's a weed, it doesn't compete with traditional food production. The cost of producing fuel from jatropha is also cheaper than using corn or other food crops. China, Thailand and many other countries have actually set land aside to grow this plant. It is still in early stage though and production can be unstable at times, but if big oil giants are willing to invest money to research this plant, I think this is the plant that will save the fuel crisis and help us reduce our carbon footprints.
You can read more about it: http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0824-biofuels.html
Environmentally friendly vs cost of public transport: All of us would like to do our share to be green, even the government urges all of us to make use of public transport whenever possible. However, many times, it's actually cheaper to drive than to take Bart. I've been told that Bart is the most expensive public transport in California and since I take Bart, I know this is true!
In Taiwan, public transport is extremely affordable and very convenient. Many people, even those living in the wealthiest spots of Taiwan do not have cars because public transport is so convenient. I think something needs to be done to lower the cost of pubic transportation in order to encourage more people to leave cars at home. There should be some incentives in place for people to take public transport. I know in British Columbia, if you buy monthly Sky Train (similar to Bart) or bus tickets, you can claim these as tax deductions at end of the year. I don't know if there are similar measures here in California, but we need something similar to encourage more people to leave their cars at home.
The stubbornness and will that oil giants are holding out is impressive in a way... I think local fuel sourcing is a way to get into alternatives, at least for cars and city transport. Some places (depending on climate, weather, geography, topography) can grow corn, others soy, others wind farms, others solar-electric, and others hydro-electric, etc. I've heard of ideas like energy sharing or trading so that places like Ireland (very windy, conducive to wind farming) could trade that power for other fuels. I guess we may have some big, potentially complex changes in the future...
ReplyDeleteAnd AGREED about Bart... I don't have a car and haven't in the years I've lived here and have relied heavily on it... where is the affordable option and the 24/7 service?! Seems like someone could make a fortune re-vamping it...
I found your article on alternate fuel sources very facinating. I agree with you that we need mimimize our fossil fuel consumption. The main problem is the Oil companies have so much money and power invested in the worlds Oil consumption that they aren't open to other fuel possibilities. I believe that in the next 15 to 20 years something will have to change.
ReplyDeleteI agree BART is way over priced, and feel they wold be wise to offer commuters a discounted rate so that it's cost effective to take the BART as opposed to driving in to work.
About the biofuels vs food situation. I think an important part of this issue that is not mentioned is the fact that around 70% of global corn and around 80% of global soy is used to raise animals for food. If the world went veg there would be more than enough land to feed people and grow biofuels. Of course efficiency and conservation should be the #1 plan of action as it is always cheaper and easier to not use a resource in the first place.
ReplyDeleteAlso, waste veggie oil is a huge untapped resource. It wouldn't take care of all fuel needs, but it certainly is not being fully utilized.
As for BART, I agree it is way too expensive. Things are very backward in our society. Our government subsidizes transport so that it is actually cheaper to drive than take BART. That needs to change and fast.