Biofuels: Fuelling the future, or big fraud?

An American scientist intends to “create” an organism which will absorb carbon dioxide and make fuels. When do you think he will achieve this?

Content: This talk and chaired debate will explore the viability of biofuels as a sustainable solution to the “energy crisis”. The focus will be on the chemistry behind the fuels as well as the social, political and economic factors influencing policymaking and public behaviour. Why this is important: We are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages from governments, energy companies and environmental groups. It is essential that we are all equipped with the knowledge and understanding to look behind the headlines and recognise the role that we can all play in solving the problems that face us and our planet.

David Read is a Principal Teaching Fellow in Chemistry at the University of Southampton.  From 2003-07, David was a schoolteacher at Theale Green Community School, just outside Reading, prior to his appointment as a School Teacher Fellow at Southampton. David is currently the Director of Outreach and Head of the Education Group within Chemistry.  His other role is that of Science Foundation Year Programme Leader, where he teaches the chemistry component of the course. David also designs and delivers CPD courses for chemistry teachers, and has worked a number of awarding bodies as an HE representative.Outside of the University, David visits schools all over the country, giving talks on biofuels and sustainability to students of all ages, and working with teachers to promote the use of learning technology and evidence-based methodology in enhancing teaching.