S-Award given to Dr Jan Wright, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
Contra Celsum has given an S-Award to Dr Jan Wright who argues that New Zealand should not be forced to use biofuels.
Citation:
Contra Celsum is aware that many would have the view that Dr Jan Wright, an independent Parliamentary watchdog for the environment, should be given an S-Award, Class II because she has used her position to argue against mandatory use of biofuels in New Zealand—one of the great greenist hopes for the planet.
But Contra Celsum is pleased to give her the Class I award. In her testimony to a parliamentary select committee recently, not only did she note the increasingly environmentally damaging effects of the biofuel programmes, she also insisted that account must be taken of the social cost. Rising food prices are hurting people, especially and particularly in poor countries.
For far too long greenism has waged an ideological war against the human race—whether by intention or consequence—and it is positive and refreshing to see an official with environmental duties face our politicians up to the social, human costs of the latest greenist crusade.
Dr Jan Wright: S-Award, Class I for actions in the course of duty that are Smart, Sound, and Salutary.
2 comments:
Not all greenies think biofuels are the answer. A recent issue of Pacific Ecologist magazine (which I worked on), for instance, tackles the dark side of biofuels from a number of different angles.
And from the NZ Green party:
"The Green Party has negotiated an important amendment to the Biofuel Bill. Biofuel will now have to meet a sustainability standard showing that it does not impinge on food production or cause undue environmental harm. Biofuels can help reduce our dependence on oil and reduce carbon emissions, but clearing tropical rainforest to plant biofuel crops is not the answer. Using food grains to make ethanol is also forcing the price of food up in poor countries. We don't want to see the motor vehicles of the developed world outbidding the stomachs of the poor."
Hi, Matt
Thanks for these references.
You may also be interested in an article in The Economist, entitled "Ethanol, Schmethanol" (Sept 27, 2007). It may be still available in the electronic archives. It highlights and crude and counter-productive science involved in current ethanol technology. However, it also profiles some really interesting scientific research being done that may well lead to third or fourth generation biofuel that will introduce completely new paradigms. Let me know if you are unable to get a copy, and I will endeavour to summarise the article (I saved a copy at the time).
Excellent statement from the Green Party--thanks. The reality of famine is now so dire that I wish they would come out and call for an immediate halt to all new biofuel plants.
Cheers,
JT
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