The Shame
May 1st, 2010
January 5, 2013
Adoption of biofuels worldwide is causing hunger in the developing world.
What do we gain from biofuels? Very slightly cheaper gasoline and the use of ethanol. It may have helped Brazil, where sugar cane is cheap and plenty, and where the left-wing government has implemented support systems for the poor, but in an abjectly poor nation like Guatemala, children go hungry because the price of corn has doubled.
Part of the purpose of requiring biofuel use in the United States is to provide extra income for farmers. Most of the acreage planted for biofuels simply pad the profits of billion-dollar corporations and extremely wealthy farmers.
Kill hungry kids for this?
Check out the New York Times story recently published on this topic:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/06/science/earth/in-fields-and-markets-guatemalans-feels-squeeze-of-biofuel-demand.html?ref=science
Entry Filed under: Front Page
3 Comments
1. Claire | September 22nd, 2005 at 3:54 pm
I enjoy reading Asian Weekly because I feel connected to all people even as I struggle to be my self inside of my black female skin in the context of our society that’s not always welcoming.
The title of your new book intrigues me and I will gift a copy to my son (who is in process of getting A’s in Mandarin in high school) as soon as possible.
Thank you for having the courage to put your thoughts and feelings out there for all to share.
2. Nancy | November 7th, 2005 at 5:52 pm
hey Irwin,
As you know, I loved reading “how i became a black man…” and as the book was sitting on my coffee table, a friend of mine started reading it, and borrowed it. Well, he loved it and is now buying one to keep, even though he’s already read it.
We each found many parts to identify with, to laugh and cry about, and it was wonderful.
Keep up the great work!
Nancy
3. Shawn wytch | August 5th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
I read some of your book at my brothers house it seemed interesting.
Didnt read it all but I hope the 2nd copy does good in the stores.
I may pick up a copy myself.