As we search for alternatives to fossil fuels we have created food shortages by diverting grains to production for ethanol. By irrigating and increasing the overall global agricultural production of grains we can safely divert an allocation for ethanol or other uses without a negative impact on food supplies. Ethanol can be produced in local or regional facilities from grains grown in near proximity and delivered to service stations in those communities thereby reducing the cost of production and delivery. Since our existing base of internal combustion engines can modified relatively easily to burn Ethanol this virtually severs our dependence on fossil-based petroleum in shortest possible timeline. Additionally, we can grow switchgrass, or better yet, algae to obtain the alternative fuels.
Our leaders tell us that they will have the energy problem solved by 2059 because they’ll be able to fully tap into the vast oil reserves in the Northwest Passage. I propose that we turn our backs on the oligopoly (the oil industry) that controls so much of our financial output and dissolve their grip on us by ‘growing’ our own fuel. The key point here is that I’m not suggesting that we stop using oil entirely. I’m suggesting that we sever our ‘dependence’ on oil. We can do this handily. The severance of our dependence on oil is an additional achievement while accomplishing the main goal of cleansing the atmosphere.
electricity generated by sustainably harvested wave power is the solution
Certainly a consistent perpetual source. That and solar.