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Jul 18
2008
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Food vs Fuel: An Unnecessary DilemmaPosted by Kathleen Robbins in Poverty, Jatropha, Food crisis, Environment, Energy, Biofuels   |
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Currently the world is facing higher food and energy prices, both of which are creating problems for the most vulnerable of the world’s people; those 2 billion plus living on $2 or less a day, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Yes, higher energy cost, demand, and subsidies have driven up the cost for staples like corn, soybeans and rice. Yes, a significant percentage of the corn and soybean crops are going into making ethanol and biodiesel. And yes, some land across the globe has been converted or cleared to make way for bioenergy crops but none of this inevitable.
We need an ‘Apollo Program’ for energy that will begin to reverse the demand for foreign oil while fully recognizing the social and environmental impact of the current policies and begins to make choices that are good for people and the planet.
First among these is the acknowledgement that conservation is our quickest and most effective way to reduce dependence on imported oil. Following that, support for research and development of so called 2nd Generation feedstock is critical if we want to reduce pressure on food. Corn and soybeans represent 1st generation crops that are seen by many as overall energy losers. 
And while if I’m being very charitable, some positive benefit is being derived from them in that the critical infrastructure to produce, transported, and use ethanol is being developed.
It however, can’t be an end point but only a very short pause on the way to 2nd generation feed stocks such as jatropha curcas and miscanthus. They must in turn relieve the pressure on food while providing clear and undeniable energy and environmental benefits.
Kathleen Robbins, GreenMicrofinance Director of Clean Energy
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3 Comments
 Payday Loan Advocate
October 02, 2008 121.97.230.191 Votes: +0 |
We know that the economy is going down due to several crises. What could be the possible solutions in the situation? The government and the people have the responsibility for the common good of the community. report abuse
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David Johnston
October 04, 2008 121.97.230.191 Votes: +1 |
A little financial help from time to time is unavoidable. How about those who do not have the best credit history to borrow money from a typical lender? For that reason, there are no credit check loans easily obtainable at Payday Loans . Sadly, some of the politicians are passing their legislation. Many of these laws are based on the supposition that payday lenders are run by the same principles as illegal loan sharks. Please don’t be mislead by the facts, and inform yourself, family, and friends on the right to financial liberty. If that sounds like you, you already know that not having the option to borrow money can bring you even more financial trouble than you’re already experiencing. report abuse
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David
October 09, 2008 121.97.230.191 Votes: +0 |
The very critical dilemma that we are facing today is poverty. Many people are struggling financial crises due to this economic problem. Thus, because of not having enough money for their everyday living and don’t have any choice, the tendency is to take the risk of getting for a loan knowing that there are several negative issues regarding to predatory lending. This falsehood information makes the consumers confuse about payday loan industry. But, the fact about this is that, payday loans are the great way to get over financial trouble. Inspite of the policy that was passed to the legislation by the politicians, payday loans wouldn’t get tired on lending a hand, because many people are still applauding this payday loan industry. Consequently, every one must be wise on Nov. 4; each one must choose the best leader that won’t extract our financial rights. report abuse
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