In The News

Time to Move to a Second Generation of Biofuels

Christopher Flavin February 15, 2008
The indirect costs of growing biofuels outweigh any benefits, report two studies in the journal Science. A new political and economic response is required on biofuels, suggests Christopher Flavin, president of the Worldwatch Institute, in response. The US government now provides tax incentives to farmers for growing crops that can be turned into energy, which has increased prices of biofuel crops...

Natural Resources, Often a Curse, Can Also Serve the Public

Susan Ariel Aaronson February 8, 2008
The Indian company Tata recently announced production of the Nano, the world’s cheapest car at $2,500. This development extends affordable transportation – and thus access to education, health care and new jobs – to a larger population. But more people driving cars also spikes demand for oil, exacerbating pollution and global warming. On the other side of the ledger, increased demand for oil...

Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat

Elisabeth Rosenthal February 8, 2008
Studies suggest that, when all costs are considered, biofuels cause more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels, according to The New York Times. As the US and other nations search for energy alternatives to fossil fuels, special interests in must-win states for the presidential election have promoted biofuel products. Besides adding to greenhouse gas emissions, development of biofuels...

Scientists Identify “Tipping Points” of Climate Change

Steve Connor February 7, 2008
The globe’s weather is not a constant. Oceans store heat, forests absorb carbon dioxide and ice fields reflect light. Seemingly small changes in temperature, light or forest cover, increasingly caused by human activity, can contribute to permanent changes in global weather patterns. An international investigation reveals nine areas enduring visible and rapid changes that could irrevocably adjust...

China Eyes Latin American Commodities

Georg Caspary January 18, 2008
Latin America is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals and agricultural crops, all desired in the global markets. At the same time, China has become the world's largest importer of cotton, copper and soybeans as well as the second-largest oil importer. Latin America can secure lasting advantages from its commodities sales – including poverty reduction and sustainable development...

World Food Stocks Dwindling Rapidly, UN Warns

Elisabeth Rosenthal January 10, 2008
Extreme weather events, a growing population, increasing affluence adding more meat to diets and diversion of grain crops for subsidized biofuels have led to depleted food reserves and soaring prices reserves. High oil prices add to the complications of transferring food aid to the most vulnerable developing nations. Wealthy nations can compensate by reducing tariffs and importing more grain,...

An Empowered Middle East – Part I

Pranay Gupte January 10, 2008
President George Bush’s trip to the Middle East comes at a time when Iraq is stabilizing and the oil-producing countries’ fortune is rising. Bush will visit Israel and Saudi Arabia, also making stops in Palestine, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirate and Egypt, perhaps even Iraq and Lebanon. Along the way he’ll witness results of US foreign policy – diplomacy, intervention and some neglect. A...