Reducing carbon emissions is the goal

Posted on: May 9, 2017 at 12:27:44 CT

I have worked on projects, the goal of which was to engineer photosynthetic bacteria (or algae) to produce a next-generation biofuel, ie diesel. A friend of mine did his PhD dissertation on algae biofuels. Who, exactly benefits from this type of research, monetarily? Both my lab and his worked on these projects purely as not-for-profit. Discovery often is non-profit. Thats one of the best parts about science. And in particular, govt research grants.

Edit to add: my research was 100% funded by the Gates Foundation and its subsidiaries. Luckily, there are people in this world who recognize a potential problem and are willing to be part of the solution.

But, more on point: How do we reduce carbon emissions? Thats simple, find/use methods to generate energy that is either carbon-neutral (bio-diesel) or no carbon (solar, wind, nuclear).

Who exactly benefits from energy as diverse as this? Id argue that reviving the coal industry lines the pockets of a more concentrated group (fewer) of people than investing in green initiatives.

But go on and tell me why you think its a bad thing to invest in any of the above. And tell me whose pockets are being lined by it.

Edited by Badird at 12:48:16 on 05/09/17