Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel

The Guardian ^ | 3-25-08 | James Randerson and Nicholas Watt

[kingattax]

Gordon Brown is preparing for a battle with the European Union over biofuels after one of the government's leading scientists warned they could exacerbate climate change rather than combat it.

In an outspoken attack on a policy which comes into force next week, Professor Bob Watson, the chief scientific adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said it would be wrong to introduce compulsory quotas for the use of biofuels in petrol and diesel before their effects had been properly assessed.

"If one started to use biofuels ... and in reality that policy led to an increase in greenhouse gases rather than a decrease, that would obviously be insane," Watson said. "It would certainly be a perverse outcome."

Under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, all petrol and diesel must contain 2.5% of biofuels from April 1. This is designed to ensure that Britain complies with a 2003 EU directive that 5.75% of petrol and diesel come from renewable sources by 2010.

But scientists have increasingly questioned the sustainability of biofuels, warning that by increasing deforestation the energy source may be contributing to global warming.

Watson's warning was echoed last night by Professor Sir David King, who recently retired as the government's chief scientific adviser. He said biofuel quotas should be put on hold until the results were known of a review which has been commissioned by ministers.

"What is absolutely desperately needed within government are people of integrity who will state what the science advice is under whatever political pressure or circumstances," he said.

[timer]

Trapped vapor is a possible problem to be sure, I was thinking more like insulated panels, say 6” thick urethane within vinyl surfaces, being screwed onto existing exterior walls, over existing siding. Yes, you have fenestrations like doors, windows, hose bibbs, exterior electrical outlets, vents..but the point is QUILT, greatly increasing R values. Same idea applies to roofs.

But it probably is all moot anyway. People involved with the energy business either have vested interests(more $$ from fuel taxes, rising prices)or a blind spot, busy thinking about new sources rather than sinks as thru heat being dumped into the cold winter night sky thru windows. It appears then that the world(of people)will waltz on to oblivion, never seeing the simple answers, like INSULATION; as they sit there with their pet cat in their lap...