Global Temperatures in 2009 Tied with 2006 as Fifth Warmest on Record

The tally of global land and ocean surface temperatures for 2009 places it in a tie with 2006 as the fifth warmest year on record, according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Ocean surface temperatures were 0.86°F above the 20th century average, which put them in a tie with 2002 and 2004 as the fourth warmest on record. Land surface temperatures averaged 1.39°F above the 20th century average, tying with 2003 as the seventh warmest on record. Combining the two yielded an average global surface temperature that was 1.01°F above the 20th century average. Perhaps more significantly, the decade of 2000 through 2009 was the warmest on record, with an average global surface temperature of 0.96°F above the 20th century average. For comparison, the 1990s was the next warmest decade, at 0.65°F above the 20th century average. See the full details of the 2009 global temperature trends on the NCDC Web site.

IATA to approve aviation biofuels by 2010

The International Air Transport Association stated that it will approve biofuels for commercial flights by next year. “The three biggest opportunities for emissions reductions are technology, infrastructure and sustainable biofuels. Of these, sustainable biofuels are the most exciting because for the first time air transport has the possibility of an alternative to traditional jet fuel,” Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO said. Read more here.

MORE SUBSIDIES GIVEN TO FOSSIL FUELS THAN TO RENEWABLES

According to a new report by the Environmental Law Institute, "The federal government provided substantially larger subsidies to fossil fuels than to renewables," with fossil fuels receiving $72-billion and renewables, $29-billion, from 2002 to 2008. The Foreign Tax Credit, a tax break given to oil and natural gas producers for royalties they paid to foreign governments, provided $15.3-billion to fossil fuels alone. Unfortunately, it's still no surprise alternative energy can't compete with fossil fuel. Read more here.

Ford Announces Biodiesel Compatible Engine

Ford has announced the development of a new diesel engine for its 2011 F-Series Super Duty diesel pickups that will be fully compatible with biodiesel. The engine is capable of running on blends of 20% and under. -World Energy Alternatives

Illinois Increases Biodiesel Mandate for Government Vehicles

Illinois state and local governments will increase biodiesel use after the passage of legislation increasing the biodiesel blending mandate for agencies from 2% to 5%. The state had passed a biodiesel incentive in 2003 that provides a partial tax break for B1 to B10, and a total break for B10 and above, Biodiesel Magazine reports.

ExxonMobil invests $600-mil in algal biofuel

"ExxonMobil has announced a $600-million investment in algal biofuels including $300-million for its own research, and a $300-million partnership with Synthetic Genomics. Large scale production is 5 -10 years away, but investment is growing in the sector. Shell and HR Biopetroleum is also planning an algal biofuels plant in Hawaii." -World Energy Alternatives, LLC

Biodiesel 101: Workshop

January 24th, we will be hosting our monthly Biodiesel 101 Workshop. We give you all the basics, and as much as the details as you want. If you would like to learn what biodiesel is, how it is made, where its used, and how you can get involved, this is for you. For the enthusiast or just the curious, we can delve into the chemistry, diesel engine mechanics, all-weather fuel system conversions, and processor design. We also know a fair amount about all the other alternative energies, why they aren't used now, and what barriers we'll have to overcome. It is free to students, and a $5 suggested donation for the public to cover costs. Please RSVP by emailing info@cubiodiesel.org Look forward to seeing you there!

ESTER

ESTER is our mobile Biodiesel research and education lab. It is our largest project, investigating ways to increase efficacy in the refinement of biodiesel and sustainability.s. learn more about ESTER.

Project Ester: Design Competition

2008 Winner: Alise Cohen

Volunteer with CU Biodiesel

There are many ways to get involved with CU Biodiesel and gain some real world experience right here on campus. See what positions are available

Biodiesel in Thailand

This is a page detailing the work of CU Biodiesel members over the summer and into the fall of 2006.click here to find out more.

Energy is the vein that pumps life into modern society. For decades, the energy market has been dominated by the use of fossil fuels; where petroleum has been the milestone. Although the glorious age of crude has skyrocketed new industries, it has brought devastating consequences to the environment, as well as social, political and economic tribulations.   As a student organization, we are committed to reducing the use of petroleum diesel fuel, a major contributor to global climate change. A higher necessity, equally valuable as political and economical will, is awareness.