Coming clean on emissions and energy

A volcanic eruption in Iceland has forced airlines to come clean. To stay on the ground to avoid the disastrous consequences of having their jet engines bombarded with glass and dust particles. Is this nature’s way of showing us what power it has to even put down international aviation? Or is it a clue to why we have to seriously cut back our emissions anyway?  Either way, airlines are looking at the viability of biofuels to replace fossil fuels. Peter Beattie tells us there are opportunities here, as does Boeing. Once the sky clears, we can also see other innovations and opportunities: an advance for electric vehicles in France and a boost for solar power in Australia. Energy efficiency rears its welcome head with news from Siemens, Intel and Carbon View. Biosequestration and Carbon Conscious go together, as do bananas, sugar and beer, believe it or not, when it comes to bio fuels. The World Bank puts a price on Asia’s head for renewable energy, while the US military warns us about the oil crunch. The Rudd Government gets a blast for its Green Loans scheme handling and gets a chance to bring in a new carbon tax. Lucky last, Graham Readfearn gives us the low-down on population pressure at home and aboard.  People need people, don’t they?

Ken Hickson