Ethanol has many cheerleaders who avoid the issues that increasing ethanol production is causing even faster deforestation around the world and exacerbating the water shortage problem. The growing shortage of water is even being talked about by the likes of Boone Pickens as the next great commodity investment after oil.
The rain forest of Brazil "causes" the tropical rains there. Cut it down and there will be less rain and also the world's oxygen supply will continue to suffer destruction of its feedstock - the rainforests around the world.
It's possible that ethanol production is a stupid idea. Maybe it isn't. But, until we and our policy makers exercise prudence and conduct the due dilligence necessary no sound decision can be made. Investing in ethanol as a meaningful replacement for our energy needs could be great but it couild also be a very bad investment both economically and environmentally speaking.
Who in their right mind wants to trade an energy suppy problem for a shortage of breathable air and water?
Ethanol Pacts: A Domino Effect? [View article]
The rain forest of Brazil "causes" the tropical rains there. Cut it down and there will be less rain and also the world's oxygen supply will continue to suffer destruction of its feedstock - the rainforests around the world.
It's possible that ethanol production is a stupid idea. Maybe it isn't. But, until we and our policy makers exercise prudence and conduct the due dilligence necessary no sound decision can be made. Investing in ethanol as a meaningful replacement for our energy needs could be great but it couild also be a very bad investment both economically and environmentally speaking.
Who in their right mind wants to trade an energy suppy problem for a shortage of breathable air and water?