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SciDev.Net Weekly Update: 3 - 10 December 2007

Biofuels: the research challenge

(http://www.scidev.net/biofuels)
SciDev.Net latest spotlight looks at the reality of biofuels research and development in the developing world.

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EDITORIALS

Biofuels: Let’s look before we leap
A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith.

NEWS

Scientists call for urgent and tough climate action
Scientists at the UN climate-change conference in Bali say greenhouse gas emissions must start declining within the next 10–°©15 years.

Plans to curb deforestation need more consideration
Tackling deforestation can contribute positively to climate change, but effects on poor forest communities must be considered, says a report.
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Energy initiative proposes desert power plan
A desert solar power plan, to meet Europe and North Africa’s energy needs and tackle climate change, has been presented.

European collaboration to support African science
The European Union’s ‘Science With Africa’ initiative paves the way for discussions at this weekend’s summit in Lisbon.

US$13 million grant boosts women in agriculture
The Gates Foundation has given US$13 million to a scheme aiming to increase the number of African women in agricultural science.

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Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 22 Nov–2 Dec 2007
A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 22 November — 2 December 2007.

OTHERS NEWS

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FEATURES

Sugarcane ethanol: Brazil’s biofuel success
Brazil’s successful sugarcane ethanol industry owes much to massive investment in infrastructure and research, reports Carla Almeida.

Biofuel: Africa’s new oil?
Biofuel holds promise for Africa but research is not yet in place to fully reap the rewards, or analyse the pitfalls, reports Kimani Chege.

Europe must admit Africa to carbon trading club
The time is right for Europe to change its carbon trading rules, giving Africa access to the market, writes Louis V. Verchot.

Building on biofuel production opportunities
Biofuel production offers a lifeline to sugar-producing countries hit by the European Union’s 2006 sugar reforms, argues Maureen Wilson.

Biofuel revolution threatens food security for the poor
Strong international policies are needed to stop the biofuel revolution threatening food security for the poor, says Siwa Msangi.

Research needed to cut risks to biofuel farmers
Dryland farmers are growing novel crops for biofuel, but domestication and research into yields and pests is still needed, says William Dar.

Biofuels: benefits and risks for developing countries
Biofuels offer huge potential, but pose challenges best countered with strong and coherent development policies, says S. Arungu-Olende.

Provide carbon credits for long-term soil amendments
Carbon credits should be used to incentivise the use of modern soil technologies that can curb hunger and climate change, says Lou Gold.