Fields of Fuel

[KenB]

List,


It recently came to my attention that guru biodieseler, Josh Tickell of "From the Fryer to the Fuel tank" fame has produced a film called "Fields of Fuel" describing how biodiesel could assist the USA with its reliance on imported petroleum.  Earlier this year it won best documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

Intrigued, I watched the 8 minute promo film on YouTube and came away with very mixed reactions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOsQILZFJE8

I should like to know what others think about this?   I will comment further when I see how others react to this film and its mission statement.


Ken

[martin]

ho hum, where angels fear to tread.................
It's totally missing several points - our biggest problem is not dependance on mineral oil, that is just one symptom of many of the big problem, which is overpopulation.......... If you just simplistically replace mineral oil with "grown" oil, you just exascerbate a whole raft of other problems - ultimately, whatever the fuel, it's still "burning stuff" which will contribute to mankind's demise on earth.
We have what used to be a beautiful planet - IF we grasp the nettle of overpopulation swiftly, and realise that "less really is more" there may be a chance of saving mankind - I fear biodiesel is just another blind alley or diversion whilst mankind's time left on earth shortens...

[jim667]

agree fully with your sentiments Martin, but, isn't it 'grasp the mettle' ??

hmm, registered with you guys just to post this reply - found this in the meantime :

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/5006/505255

c'est la vie



 

[PEMTEK]

I have seen many sites and videos of companies growing algae but not seen any of them actually making oil from it. I guess they must be doing but they are not showing it.

[NickW]

ho hum, where angels fear to tread.................
It's totally missing several points - our biggest problem is not dependance on mineral oil, that is just one symptom of many of the big problem, which is overpopulation.......... If you just simplistically replace mineral oil with "grown" oil, you just exascerbate a whole raft of other problems - ultimately, whatever the fuel, it's still "burning stuff" which will contribute to mankind's demise on earth.
We have what used to be a beautiful planet - IF we grasp the nettle of overpopulation swiftly, and realise that "less really is more" there may be a chance of saving mankind - I fear biodiesel is just another blind alley or diversion whilst mankind's time left on earth shortens...

Agreed - fast track route to phosphate and potassium depletion

[wookey]

If you just simplistically replace mineral oil with "grown" oil, you just exascerbate a whole raft of other problems - ultimately, whatever the fuel, it's still "burning stuff" which will contribute to mankind's demise on earth.

There is a big difference between burning fossil fuels and adding 'new' carbon to the atmosphere, and sending existing carbon (from plants you just grew) back round again. The latter does not particualrly 'contribute to mans demise' at all - it is a sustainable process. There is a separate issue of whether you might be doing better tihings with stuff you grew than burning it and whether you have enough space to grow your fuel, but in principle biodiesel is entirely carbon-neutral, anmd as such is to be aplauded. Interesting that Tickell has finally released his film - it's taken him years to make, It was him that got me interested in biodiesel back in about 1998.

[rhys]

ho hum, where angels fear to tread.................
It's totally missing several points - our biggest problem is not dependance on mineral oil, that is just one symptom of many of the big problem, which is overpopulation..........

It important to put popultion growth in the context of economic growth of rich nations and theit much greater use of resources per capita. Our economic runaway growth is the greater immediate threat.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jan/29/politics.greenpolitics
I think George Monbiot puts it in perspective.