Food Archives

The End of False Progress: Origins of materialism, and implications for our future in the post-petroleum reality

December 15, 2020August 24, 2004 by Jan Lundberg

What will be the alternative to today’s consumerism and fear of material insecurity? This essay looks toward the next mainstream culture: Life after petroleum-culture collapse. To help explain today’s lack of preparation for fundamental change, we examine historical practices particularly in Europe. This installment focuses on the history of food production vis-à-vis political power and worldview.

China fears a food crisis as imports surge

December 15, 2020August 22, 2004 by James Kynge

China has become a net importer of farm produce, raising concerns at the highest levels of government about the security of the food supply for 1.3 billion people as land and water shortages put pressure on domestic grain production.

Dust ‘is hidden climate problem’

December 15, 2020August 18, 2004 by Alex Kirby

The huge amounts of dust blowing across the Earth may have serious consequences for the environment, a scientist says.

County’s farmers launch biofuels co-operative

December 15, 2020August 16, 2004 by Steve Dube

FARMERS in Pembrokeshire have launched a co-operative to produce, market and supply biofuels.

Carbon negative energy to reverse global warming

December 15, 2020August 1, 2004 by Dan Day

Partisan report on potential for coproduction from biomass of charcoal for terra preta soil generation and hydrogen, ammonia and diesel.

Will natural gas prices turn off Louisiana’s chemical industry?

December 15, 2020July 31, 2004 by Michael A. Mohammed

With the cost of a key fuel rising, the state’s chemical plants are closing and thousands of workers are being laid off.

Drought brings Cuba to its knees

December 15, 2020July 30, 2004 by Stephen Gibbs

Unnoticed by the world, the longest dry period for decades has brought much of Cuba to its knees. Could this be the crisis that finally destroys Fidel’s revolution?

Is Farming Sustainable?

December 15, 2020July 25, 2004 by Arthur C. Noll

Arthur C. Noll looks at some of the challenges deindustrialized agriculture will face in a post-oil-peak age.

US: Bringing healthy produce to poor neighborhoods

December 15, 2020July 15, 2004 by Tara Duggan

Food activists and small farmers lead project for inner city food security in San Francisco.

Ethanol From Cellulose: Prospects And Implications

December 15, 2020July 13, 2004 by Andrew R.B. Ferguson

Abstract: The last study of the energy balance of producing ethanol from cellulose was back in 1979. It showed that the energy inputs required were 3.3 times the energy contained in the ethanol output. Nevertheless the belief has persisted that producing ethanol from cellulose may become viable. This paper attempts to interpret the most recent plans for improving the process. It concludes that the best plans on the drawing board, at the present time, indicate a positive energy balance, with inputs comprising about 63% of the ethanol output.

NZ: Can Individual Farmer’s Benefit From Wind Power?

December 15, 2020July 5, 2004 by John Blakeley

New Zealand has an abundant wind resource capable of producing up to 20 percent of our electricity needs.

NASA scientists get global fix on food, wood & fiber use

December 15, 2020June 22, 2004 by David E. Steitz

NASA scientists working with the World Wildlife Fund and others have measured how much of Earth’s plant life humans need for food, fiber, wood and fuel. The study identifies human impact on ecosystems.