Ensus is building Europe’s largest wheat refinery at Wilton in Teesside, intending to meet one third of the UK’s bioethanol demand.
Biofuels help combat climate change because the crops from which they are produced absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. Carbon dioxide is released as they are burned, but absorbed by new crops again, making a complete cycle.
There will undeniably be a huge impact on the UK’s wheat producing farmers and concern about how they will cope in years of poor harvest. Even environmental campaigners, Friends of the Earth are claiming that the potential deforestation to produce new farmland is just not worth it. Ensus insists however that the wheat supply will be provided by EU countries only and will also contribute to animal feed, therefore reducing the need for soya meal which comes from areas of deforestation.
So are biofuels worthwhile? On the positive side, they massively reduce carbon emissions and are cheap to the consumer. On the negative side they could result in deforestation and the destruction of animal habitats. In addition to this, biofuel production is not yet energy efficient.
Do we need to look at the bigger picture and regard biofuels as a work in progress, living in hope that this is a step in the right direction?
There’s a YouTube video that’s taking the world by storm and it features HRH Prince Charles and a giant frog … now there’s something I don’t get to type everyday!
It’s terrific. Please watch the video below and tell us what you think and if you want to, you can sign up at www.rainforestsos.org
There has been a recent spate of celebrity backing for important public campaigns, for example Joanna Lumley has recently lead an impassioned and successful campaign on behalf of the Gurkhas. Currently Richard Briers is encouraging people to ‘extend the carrot of friendship’ to their local politicians on behalf of Greenpeace; giving his backing to Airplot anti-Heathrow expansion campaign.
What are your opinions on royal and celebrity endorsements?
Does it make a difference?
Does it make you act?
Do you trust their motives?
We would love to know what you think.
Ps. look out for the Special Guest Appearance from Kurmit the frog…