The S-Files

A Lone Voice of Moral Sanity

Contra Celsum has nominated Olivier de Schutter—a United Nations special adviser on food—for an S-Award because he has had the courage, the moral perspective and rectitude to call for an immediate freeze on investment in biofuels.

Citation:

Contra Celsum is delighted nominate Olivier de Schutter for the award.

The ABC (www.abc.net.au/news qv “UN adviser calls for halt on biofuels investment”) provides the following summary:

1. Mr de Schutter says the pursuit of biofuels is contributing to a global food crisis threatening 100 million of the world's poorest people.

2. He has described it as a massive violation of basic rights and called for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to tackle rising food prices and global shortages.

3. “I believe that any new investment in first-generation agri-fuels should be [frozen] immediately and that we should discuss in an open and transparent manner whether the current levels of production of bio-diesel, bio-ethanol—which are no so bio—should continue,” he said.

Contra Celsum applauds this clarion call to halt further biofuel investment, and to look at rolling back present production. At least someone in the UN is listening to the cries of 100 million suffering people and for their sake is prepared to slaughter a sacred cow that they might be able to afford food again. At least someone in that subterranean Gothamesque labyrinth has some moral perspective.

Now, we await some clear moral leadership from our own politicians. Our political leaders in New Zealand have all endorsed biofuels. Some have militated for their urgent production and introduction to the fuel market in New Zealand to help save the planet.

Now, where does the moral compass of our leaders lie? Who will be the first political leader to demonstrate they have the slightest smidgin of human decency? Who will be the first to stand up and say that a policy which will contribute to the threat of starvation for 100 million of the world's poorest people is morally bankrupt—and that, regardless of what threats climate change is supposed to present—biofuels represent a morally unacceptable answer.

Who will be the first to say, “The price is too high, and that under current conditions, biofuels represent the grandiose policies of the megalomaniac?” We are waiting.

Olivier de Schutter: S-Award, Class I for actions in the course of duty that are Smart, Sound, and Salutary.