Notes on Research and Preparation Outline...

My research came from 3 primary sources. Michael Pollan’s book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”, has exhaustive research on the corn industry in the US, and how farm and food policy in this country has shaped some facets of our economy. I also found an overview of a great study by geoengineering professor Tad Patzek, of UC Berkeley. In his study, he examined the efficiency (and lack thereof) of the corn-based, ethanol production process. In general terms, he concluded that much more energy goes into producing ethanol than is gained as an end result. Finally, I found a good article by Robert McIntyre in the The Futurist Magazine. McIntyre discusses, at length, the pros and cons of algae-based biofuels, as well as how much more work needs to be done in that area before we have a valid source of renewable energy in this country.

Preparation Outline

Speech topic: Alternative fuel possibilities in the US.

Speech purpose: To inform about impending world-wide oil shortage, and to discuss some potential renewable energy sources.

I. Introduction: World is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, research shows that fossil fuels are in limited supply. We need to find other sources of energy.

A. Biofuels – fuels derived from plants.

B. Have had limited success with biofuels thus far – US energy policy needs to progress biofuel research.

II Body:

A. ‘Peak Oil’.

a. Peak oil is point at which maximal oil extraction is achieved. Some disagreement as to when this did/will happen, but most believe we are in “age” of ‘peak oil’.

1. Dwindling oil supplies – imperative to find new sources of energy.

B. Corn-based ethanol. First major foray into large-scale biofuel production.

a. Used as an additive to gasoline. Goal of ethanol production is to prolong existing oil supplies.

1. Many drawbacks to ethanol production.

C. Corn-based ethanol production is very inefficient.

a. Geoengineering professor Tad Patzek’s recent study illustrates many inefficiencies in process, from being a net-consumer of energy, to being highly dependent on subsidies.

1. Corn-based fuel is not a viable alternative to petroleum fuels.

D. More promising alternatives on the horizon – Algae-based biofuel.

a. More productive than land-based crops, with fewer of the drawbacks of corn-based ethanol. Government shifting focus from corn to algae.

1. Long ways from being a legitimate energy source.

III. Conclusion:

The race is on to find alternative, renewable source of energy. Most experts agree that our oil reserves are slowly drying up. Corn-based fuel is a step in the right direction, but clearly not a good enough method. We need to shift focus to more promising prospects, and that prospect may be “oilgae.” Lowly green algae may lead the way to a cleaner, greener, more sustainable planet.