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VERSION:2.0
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:UW-Madison-Physics-Events
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SEQUENCE:0
UID:UW-Physics-Event-2861
DTSTART:20121211T180500Z
DURATION:PT1H0M0S
DTSTAMP:20260412T133104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20121115T194626Z
LOCATION:4274 Chamberlin (refreshments will be served)
SUMMARY:Is there a path to renewable fuels\, and why would we want to 
 go there?\, Chaos & Complex Systems Seminar\, Tom Jeffries\, UW Depart
 ment of Bacteriology
DESCRIPTION:Woody biomass has been used as a source of fuel since befo
 re the emergence of civilization. Starting in the 17th century\, the c
 oal-fired industrial revolution greatly increased the capacity for pow
 er generation. By the 20th century\, the convenience of petroleum-deri
 ved liquid fuels ushered in easy\, rapid personal transportation. The 
 resulting increases in agricultural productivity spurred rapid populat
 ion growth and unprecedented prosperity to a significant fraction of t
 he worldaEuroTMs inhabitants. The question before us today is whether 
 such lifestyles can be maintained in the face of rapid climate change 
 and dwindling resources.<br><br>
\n<br><br>
\nContemporary biofuels ma
 de from sugars\, starches and plant oils are incorporated into gasolin
 e and diesel supply systems. Is this the best use of potential food re
 sources\, or should we look to other feedstocks? Is it desirable to us
 e wood? What biomass is available? Is its use sustainable? What are cu
 rrent domestic policies and are they working? Why are we concerned abo
 ut biofuels anyway? What about electrical vehicles? How much can be ga
 ined from efficiency? Which conversion technologies work? How much do 
 they cost? These questions have been researched through large governme
 nt-sponsored programs and actively debated for at least the past 35 ye
 ars. Conceptually\, the approach is even older.<br><br>
\nIf we are se
 rious about environmental sustainability\, feeding our population and 
 renewing a hope for future society\, we must think realistically about
  feasible alternatives to present practices. 
URL:https://www.physics.wisc.edu/events/?id=2861
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