http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 19 May 2013 20:55:21 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 20:55:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/drought-not-the-only-factor-driving-up-agricultural-prices-a-851068.html#ref=rss The severe drought in the US has been blamed the rising prices of agricultural commodities. But that is only part of the story: Biofuels, financial speculation and changing dietary habits are also playing a role. The global food supply faces pressure from all sides. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:36:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/drought-not-the-only-factor-driving-up-agricultural-prices-a-851068.html The severe drought in the US has been blamed the rising prices of agricultural commodities. But that is only part of the story: Biofuels, financial speculation and changing dietary habits are also playing a role. The global food supply faces pressure from all sides. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/out-of-gas-e10-debacle-puts-the-brakes-on-biofuels-a-757812.html#ref=rss An attempt to introduce the biofuel mixture E10 in Germany has been a disaster, after motorists refused to buy the supposed green gasoline. Car makers, oil companies and politicians have all tried to blame each other for the mess. Even environmentalists oppose the new fuel. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:02:11 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/out-of-gas-e10-debacle-puts-the-brakes-on-biofuels-a-757812.html An attempt to introduce the biofuel mixture E10 in Germany has been a disaster, after motorists refused to buy the supposed green gasoline. Car makers, oil companies and politicians have all tried to blame each other for the mess. Even environmentalists oppose the new fuel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-gasoline-summit-solves-nothing-as-biofuel-chaos-continues-a-749880.html#ref=rss German politicians met Tuesday in a hastily arranged 'Gasoline Summit' to discuss public distrust over the introduction of fuels with higher concentrations of ethanol. Politicians pledged to better inform the public about which cars can use the new fuel, but German commentators and drivers remain wary. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-gasoline-summit-solves-nothing-as-biofuel-chaos-continues-a-749880.html German politicians met Tuesday in a hastily arranged 'Gasoline Summit' to discuss public distrust over the introduction of fuels with higher concentrations of ethanol. Politicians pledged to better inform the public about which cars can use the new fuel, but German commentators and drivers remain wary.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chaos-at-the-pumps-german-consumers-are-wary-of-new-e10-biofuel-a-749199.html#ref=rss Germany recently began introducing gasoline containing a higher percentage of biofuels. But consumers have so far been skittish, leading to production chaos and shortages of traditional gasoline. Some politicians have called for laws mandating that biofuels be scrapped altogether. Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:48:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chaos-at-the-pumps-german-consumers-are-wary-of-new-e10-biofuel-a-749199.html Germany recently began introducing gasoline containing a higher percentage of biofuels. But consumers have so far been skittish, leading to production chaos and shortages of traditional gasoline. Some politicians have called for laws mandating that biofuels be scrapped altogether.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/flying-green-aviation-industry-harnesses-algae-for-biofuel-a-706473.html#ref=rss There are plans within the aviation industry to replace kerosene with biofuel derived from algae. The new fuel comes with a surprising benefit: Planes will be able to fly farther on the same amount of fuel. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:40:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/flying-green-aviation-industry-harnesses-algae-for-biofuel-a-706473.html There are plans within the aviation industry to replace kerosene with biofuel derived from algae. The new fuel comes with a surprising benefit: Planes will be able to fly farther on the same amount of fuel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/shot-frozen-and-burnt-sweden-turning-stray-rabbits-into-biofuel-a-654916.html#ref=rss Stray rabbits are getting a raw deal in Sweden. Thousands of them living in the center of Stockholm are being culled, deep frozen and converted into biofuel for heating homes. Wildlife campaigners have criticized the practice. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:04:18 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/shot-frozen-and-burnt-sweden-turning-stray-rabbits-into-biofuel-a-654916.html Stray rabbits are getting a raw deal in Sweden. Thousands of them living in the center of Stockholm are being culled, deep frozen and converted into biofuel for heating homes. Wildlife campaigners have criticized the practice.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/boeing-executive-algae-could-supply-entire-world-with-aviation-fuel-a-618859.html#ref=rss Although oil prices have fallen rapidly, the airline industry is still clamouring for alternative fuel sources. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, chief Boeing environmental strategist Billy Glover explains how a giant mass of algae may fuel jets in the future. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:57:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/boeing-executive-algae-could-supply-entire-world-with-aviation-fuel-a-618859.html Although oil prices have fallen rapidly, the airline industry is still clamouring for alternative fuel sources. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, chief Boeing environmental strategist Billy Glover explains how a giant mass of algae may fuel jets in the future.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-green-tsunami-in-brazil-the-high-price-of-clean-cheap-ethanol-a-602951.html#ref=rss Brazil hopes to supply drivers worldwide with the fuel of the future -- cheap ethanol derived from sugarcane. It is considered an effective antidote to climate change, but hundreds of thousands of Brazilian plantation workers harvest the cane at slave wages. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:38:30 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-green-tsunami-in-brazil-the-high-price-of-clean-cheap-ethanol-a-602951.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-search-for-a-sustainable-future-europe-s-biofuels-conundrum-a-577895.html#ref=rss The European Parliament may be backing away from its targets for crop-based biofuels, but the EU is still hoping that it can create a certification scheme that will ensure that biofuels are produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:13:31 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-search-for-a-sustainable-future-europe-s-biofuels-conundrum-a-577895.html The European Parliament may be backing away from its targets for crop-based biofuels, but the EU is still hoping that it can create a certification scheme that will ensure that biofuels are produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/combating-climate-change-eu-committee-votes-to-cut-biofuels-goal-a-577750.html#ref=rss A committee of the European Parliament has voted to cut the EU's target for using traditional biofuels for road transport by 2020. The move has been welcomed by environmental and aid groups concerned that the growth in biofuels has been boosting food prices and causing deforestation. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:17:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/combating-climate-change-eu-committee-votes-to-cut-biofuels-goal-a-577750.html A committee of the European Parliament has voted to cut the EU's target for using traditional biofuels for road transport by 2020. The move has been welcomed by environmental and aid groups concerned that the growth in biofuels has been boosting food prices and causing deforestation. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/green-gold-rush-africa-becoming-a-biofuel-battleground-a-576548.html#ref=rss Western companies are pushing to acquire vast stretches of African land to meet the world's biofuel needs. Local farmers and governments are being showered with promises. But is this just another form of economic colonialism? Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:23:46 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/green-gold-rush-africa-becoming-a-biofuel-battleground-a-576548.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/we-need-more-research-is-the-eu-turning-its-back-on-biofuels-a-564409.html#ref=rss The storm of critique against biofuels may finally be having some effect. Even as the European Commission remains true to its goal of increasing the use of biofuels, others aren't so sure. The European Parliament is trying to put on the brakes. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:30:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/we-need-more-research-is-the-eu-turning-its-back-on-biofuels-a-564409.html The storm of critique against biofuels may finally be having some effect. Even as the European Commission remains true to its goal of increasing the use of biofuels, others aren't so sure. The European Parliament is trying to put on the brakes.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/world-bank-leak-biofuels-may-be-even-worse-than-first-thought-a-563927.html#ref=rss An internal report put together by the World Bank and leaked to the <i>Guardian</i> claims that biofuels may be responsible for up to 75 percent of recent rises in food prices. Even environmental groups haven't gone that far in their estimates. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:57:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/world-bank-leak-biofuels-may-be-even-worse-than-first-thought-a-563927.html An internal report put together by the World Bank and leaked to the Guardian claims that biofuels may be responsible for up to 75 percent of recent rises in food prices. Even environmental groups haven't gone that far in their estimates.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-dangers-of-energy-crops-oxfam-warns-poor-nations-against-biofuels-a-561958.html#ref=rss Biofuels have pushed up world food prices and won't ease global warming, a new Oxfam report warns. Developing nations, the organization argues, should "move with extreme caution" before switching from staple food crops. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:17:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-dangers-of-energy-crops-oxfam-warns-poor-nations-against-biofuels-a-561958.html Biofuels have pushed up world food prices and won't ease global warming, a new Oxfam report warns. Developing nations, the organization argues, should "move with extreme caution" before switching from staple food crops.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/brazil-s-rainforests-is-cheap-meat-a-bigger-threat-to-amazon-than-biofuels-a-552027.html#ref=rss Brazil plans to massively expand the production of biofuels but environmental campaigners worry about the effect this will have on the rainforest. Germany's environment minister, who recently visited the country, thinks demand for cheap meat presents an even great danger. Wed, 07 May 2008 16:20:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/brazil-s-rainforests-is-cheap-meat-a-bigger-threat-to-amazon-than-biofuels-a-552027.html Brazil plans to massively expand the production of biofuels but environmental campaigners worry about the effect this will have on the rainforest. Germany's environment minister, who recently visited the country, thinks demand for cheap meat presents an even great danger.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/harvesting-trouble-pressure-grows-on-eu-to-abandon-biofuels-a-547609.html#ref=rss With food prices skyrocketing and faith in biofuels plummeting, many are demanding that the European Union back away from its commitment to eco-fuel. Even the EU's own scientists are skeptical. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:38:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/harvesting-trouble-pressure-grows-on-eu-to-abandon-biofuels-a-547609.html With food prices skyrocketing and faith in biofuels plummeting, many are demanding that the European Union back away from its commitment to eco-fuel. Even the EU's own scientists are skeptical.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/biofuels-the-second-generation-new-technology-foresees-trees-not-grain-in-the-tank-a-547312.html#ref=rss Conventional biofuels like rapeseed oil and ethanol are ecologically problematic and threaten food supplies. Now a Germany company says it has the solution: an advanced fuel made from wood and other non-food biomass. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:08:34 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/biofuels-the-second-generation-new-technology-foresees-trees-not-grain-in-the-tank-a-547312.html Conventional biofuels like rapeseed oil and ethanol are ecologically problematic and threaten food supplies. Now a Germany company says it has the solution: an advanced fuel made from wood and other non-food biomass.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/ethanol-plan-a-failure-germany-backs-away-from-biofuels-a-545419.html#ref=rss Berlin has abandoned plans to increase the percentage of ethanol in gasoline sold at the country's pumps. New projections estimate that up to 3 million cars would have been unable to run on the higher mixture. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:42:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/ethanol-plan-a-failure-germany-backs-away-from-biofuels-a-545419.html Berlin has abandoned plans to increase the percentage of ethanol in gasoline sold at the country's pumps. New projections estimate that up to 3 million cars would have been unable to run on the higher mixture.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-implementation-of-biofuels-plan-was-a-disaster-a-545165.html#ref=rss Germany wanted to lead the way in the use of bioethanol on its roads. Now, though, it looks as though too many cars would be unable to handle the biofuel, making the plan impractical. German papers argue that may not be such a bad thing. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:49:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-implementation-of-biofuels-plan-was-a-disaster-a-545165.html Germany wanted to lead the way in the use of bioethanol on its roads. Now, though, it looks as though too many cars would be unable to handle the biofuel, making the plan impractical. German papers argue that may not be such a bad thing.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-total-disaster-critique-mounts-against-biofuels-a-530550.html#ref=rss The European Union has announced plans to increase the use of gas and diesel produced from plants. But the critique against biofuels is mounting. Many say they are even more harmful than conventional fossil fuels. Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:58:17 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-total-disaster-critique-mounts-against-biofuels-a-530550.html The European Union has announced plans to increase the use of gas and diesel produced from plants. But the critique against biofuels is mounting. Many say they are even more harmful than conventional fossil fuels.]]>