At first hear, biofuels seem like such a great idea (renewable sources, fewer emissions). But the more I hear, the less good of a solution they appear to be. In fact, some view them as leading us astray–conservation is really what we should be focusing on–while still others think they spell actual disaster.

The main question appears to be whether our rush to find fuel alternatives to oil will cause us more problems than it will solve? And it’s becoming hard not to think so, given what the media are saying.

I get most my news from NPR–mainly Morning Edition/Weekend Edition–and just a few months ago I started hearing about how increased demand for biofuels is causing food prices to rise. At first, I did not think much about it. But now one cannot but with suddenly everyone talking about it–and, well, because food prices really do seem to be rising.

The perfect example that biofuels and its effects are the new hot topic–besides the ever more frequent and increasing number of pieces about it on NPR–is the fact that it’s the cover story of the current issue of National Geographic (October 2007). The eye-catching depiction of a cob of corn with the words Growing Fuel: The wrong way, the right way printed across it is hard to miss. Inside on page 38, the actual story is titled/subtitled (in print, slightly different online): “Green Dreams: Making fuel from crops could be good for the planet–after a breakthrough or two,” which I found informative and very helpful in understanding about the different types of biofuels (they also have a really cool “Biofuels Compared” “Interactive” online).

However, the topic isn’t new. Like I said, I already started hearing about it on NPR a few months ago and even a quick, basic search in Lexis yielded close to 1000 hits. For example, already back in April, CNN similarly reported on the topic in a piece titled: Biofuel: Green savior or red herring?

I find skimming the popular press can be a great way to stay current and get topic ideas. I make it a habit to cut through the current periodical aisles in our beautiful Reading/Reference Room rather than walking around them. And I never fail to spot something of interest–often enough in a magazine or journal I would not otherwise think to look at.

Articles like the above mentioned may not be academic, but they give one a quick overview, the basics, and ideas for keywords and search terms. They should not be underestimated.