In the mad quest for energy, one can argue that the world has goofed on the matter of establishing long-term priorities. Today, when the issue of global warming and depletion of the Ozone layer has temporarily been brushed under the meltdown carpet, a large part of the blame has been laid at the door of the United States for diverting farmland used for cultivating wheat to grow fuel crops. With conventional fuels priced steep and conventional reserves drying up globally, the new-found thrust to bio-fuels may appear quite logical, more so in a country like India, where more than two-thirds of the fuel it needs is imported. However, are we cutting the nose to spite the face? Even if energy efficiency can qualify as a valid long - term goal can it be achieved at the cost of food? If the answer to that is 'No' then the next logical question that stares mankind in the face is whether it is possible to achieve both objectives without tilting the boat precariously on either side.
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