Celsias turns a jaundiced eye on biofuels
Over at Celsias there's a fairly long article on biofuels with the title "Biofuels - From the Frying Pan Into the Fire?" It looks at the huge expansion in biofuel production that's taking place around the world and some of the detrimental effects of this. There are enormous tracts of rain forest being destroyed in favor of producing palm oil and other crops to feed our seemingly insatiable thirst for fuel. The rain forest destruction also means the destruction of habitat for countless species, eliminating still more biodiversity. The article is definitely worth a read, and it points out that although we need more sustainable replacements for petroleum, there is really no replacement for conservation. [Source: Celsias.com via Hugg.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alan Preston 3:39PM (1/30/2008)
Kia ora
Alan Preston here (in Christchurch,New Zealand).
" we need more sustainable replacements for petroleum, there is really no replacement for conservation."
I don't own a car so don't have any reason to buy
fossil or 'bio' fuels.
( I also lived in Japan for 10 years during which time I hardly ever even got into a car )
I'm carrying out a nationwide campaign to introduce New Zealanders to the specifically urban-appropriate utility-style bicycles and associated technologies such as those that are prevalent in the European 'cycletopias' ( Copenhagen, Amsterdam et al ) to help make cycling practicable, practical and preferable to a much broader demographic than that to which it is currently limited.
Sustainable Transport: The missing link: European style urban appropriate utility style bicycles.
The main focus of my campaign is to convince Local and Regional Councils ( and other organisations ) to consider acquiring these styles of bicycles ( as opposed to the usual mountain /road racing bikes) for use by their staff so as to provide working models of these technologies thereby to promote cycling as a viable form of transport to sections of society who are presently poorly represented among 'cyclists'. i.e. middle aged women and elderly people.
I'm looking for examples of Councils, Businesses or Community Organizations who are running fleets of bicycles for use around town by their staff and visitors.
I've created a web-page to list such projects so that those who may be inspired to do the same can learn from each other's experiences:
http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com/cycleactivecouncils
If you know of any 'utility' cycling related initiatives happening that are not listed on the above page, please let me know at this e-mail address.( urbanbicycles@gmail.com )
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An online resource for utility cycling in New Zealand:
http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com/home
This web-site provides links (which I will continue to add)to where utility-style bicycles and associated technologies can be obtained in New Zealand (and overseas) ,to resources, discussion on cycling issues and to initiatives by Local Governments, organisations, companies or individuals that are setting precedents which others can follow.
Familiarising New Zealanders with utility-style bicycles and their associated technologies and the practices and policies that have enabled the uptake of utility cycling in European Cycletopias is a first step in enabling us to make the change away from our dependence on cars.
Making utility cycling practical, practicable and preferable to the broadest possible demographic range will help to build the numbers needed to ensure real political support for the establishment of a cycling-friendly environment.
Thanks and feel free to contact me.
Ka kite ano.
Alan Preston in Christchurch.
(P.S. I have no involvement in any commercial enterprises)
Tel. 03 3382730
Mob. 027 2128095
urbanbicycles@gmail.com
http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com
Reply
M Powers 12:01AM (1/03/2007)
Algae changes everything. Forget competing with food crops - that's OLD news. Celsias and many others are way behind on the biodiesel curve... laughable.
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Craig Mackintosh 2:46AM (1/03/2007)
M Powers - not wanting to get into controversy, I think the topics we're writing about are far from laughable. Yes, the algae side looks interesting, but you have to admit it's early days yet for this technology. In the meantime, right NOW, there are rainforests going down all over - rainforests we cannot afford to lose. Is it wrong to try to bring this to people's attention?? Perhaps you could help?
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