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GLOBAL WARMING |
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Whilst there is still some doubt that global warming is occurring, the possibility of it has been recognized for over a century. Reports including those from the Office of Technology of Assessment from the 1970s onwards indicate that warming IS occurring. Temperature records (1850-2000) indicate that there has been a fluctuating, gradual rate of increase in both temperature and energy - hence the increased occurrence of 'freak' weather incidents such as hurricanes and floods. Climatologists agree that greenhouse gases are responsible for warming the atmosphere and that 66% of greenhouse gases are caused by burning fossil fuel, deforestation and fertilizers.
All though some 'experts' (most notably those with affiliation to greenhouse gas producing industries) remain sceptical over whether global warming is occurring or not, we should at least err on the side of caution. Freak weather incidents, and rising sea levels are likely to have significant negative effects upon human civilizations. The UK government is committed to increased reliance upon nuclear energy, which creates the additional risks associated with the storage of radioactive waste and radioactive emissions. Alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels, nuclear waste, deforestation and nitrate chemical fertilizers need to be developed. Hemp could have a vital role to play in the development of friendly alternatives.
Energy production
A report published by the FCDA of Europe outlines the
Cannabis Biomass Energy Equation (CBEE), outlining a convincing case that
hemp plants can be used to produce fuel energy CHEAPER per BtU than fossil
fuels and uranium - WITHOUT PRODUCING GREENHOUSE GASES! Hemp plants have
the highest known quantities of cellulose for annuals - with at least 4x
(some suggest even 50-100x) the biomass potential of its closest rivals
(cornstalks, sugarcane, kernaf and trees) (Omni, 1983). Biomass production
still produces greenhouse gases, although the idea is that the excess of
carbon dioxide will be used up by growing hemp plants - they are effective
absorbers and thrive at high levels - Unlike fossil fuel energy which produces
energy from plants which died millions of years ago.
On reading the report of the FCDA, Hon. Jonathon Porrit (ex-director of Friends of the Earth, currently on the Board of Forum for the Future) commented 'I DID enjoy reading it - the report should contribute much'. Three years later - authorities are still not taking the potential of this plant seriously. MAFF are currently engaging in supporting research into the biomass potential of poplar trees which they claim has the most scientific support for biomass energy production. H-E-M-P recommend use of the hemp plant if biomass energy production is to have any real impact in reducing carbon dioxide levels.
IT'S SO
PRODUCTIVE! 1 acre of hemp = 1,000 gallons of methanol.
In fact,
Henry Ford's first car ran on hemp-methanol! - and at just a fraction of
the cost of petroleum alternatives. Alternatives to coal, fuel oil, acetone,
ethyl, tar pitch and creosote can be derived - from this one single plant!
As regards
depletion of the ozone layer - hemp actually withstands UV radiation. It
absorbs UV light, whilst resisting damage to itself and providing protection
for everything else.
Risk-free,
pollution-free energy. No acid rain, and a reduction in airborne pollution
of up to 80% ... There's further potential for the same in industry.
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