Hi all, I believe it can be dangerous to rely on politicians whose main interest is their own profit, especially for us living with Mr. B. I do strongly believe that our behavior could have the power to influence politicians and industries. If we consume less of energy wasting appliances and cars, if we boycott big oil companies that have paid scientists to speak against global warming such as Exxon, if we buy locally as much as we can,...then the demand would shift and the industry would find a more profitable market and offer those things we do want. As for the China example - I don't think it quite applies here, because the demand would increase for energy efficient appliances, cars, and local food, so prices should go down.
Of course we will need regulations that will enable everybody to change their behavior, even that next-door neighbor Mr. X with 4 cars. But I do believe such changes would come much faster if there was a clear sign from each of us that we are willing to change. But Mr. X will never change if he does not know why he should. I believe we as scientists have a huge responsibility to educate others, including our neighbor, not just other scientists. That leads me back to our ethanol discussion. Since there was so much confusion even within our group, imagine how little other people might know about this. It would be great if those of you who know more about biofuels and all its implication could summarize all this information, both for a journal, but especially also for newspapers and farm agencies. Maiken
