Introduction to Global Warming & Alternative Energy Sources

Welcome to the Global Warming & Alternative Energy Sources blog. I feel that the two items are closely related. Global warming is the problem and development of alternative energy sources is a possible solution.

I'm assuming that visitors to this blog agree that global warming is an actual occurrence and not a "myth" as some folks believe. I am not against some discussion on the "myth" question but I don't want that discussion to dominate the blog.

In regards to alternative energy sources, I define them as any acceptable substitute for crude oil products, natural gas, or coal. In the alternative energy category, I place such items as oil sands oil, LNG, and coal bed methane although it is obvious these are questionable alternative energy sources as many experts would define them. I am very loose on the definition because I don't believe we will ever solve the energy crisis by strictly limiting ourselves to ethanol, solar energy, windmills, tidal energy, and other exotic forms of energy. I also include hybrid cars in the alternative energy category although they are not a form of energy. But, do the hybrids ever save a lot of energy!

I must note that there is considerable undesirable self-interest in the ongoing development of certain alternative energy sources like ethanol which are heavily subsidized by states and the federal government. Ethanol is certainly an alternative energy source but could it survive without government subsidies? Additionally, there is some indication that the heavy use of corn to produce the subsidized ethanol is creating corn shortages in the U.S. livestock area and in poor foreign countries like Mexico where corn is a staple food. There is a question in my mind as to whether subsidized ethanol production from subsidized corn is desirable.

With that introduction, I look forward to your comments on global warming and alternative energy sources.