The online magazine is a strange blend of classic and new media. How such sites present their stories can inform a careful reader to any bias in the article.
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The economist discusses the use of bio-fuels in this article. Many attempts at developing a workable bio-fuel have failed to pan out. It may be time to reevaluate whether to continue putting effort into their development.
In this argument I'm most sympathetic to those trying to develop new fuels. They come off as innovators, trying to solve a looming problem. Showing the myriad approaches being taken by many groups gives me hope that bio-fuels may yet succeed.
The article takes a less enthusiastic view overall. A list of bio-fuel's many challenges fills the opening paragraphs with a sobered tone. The final paragraph is used to cast doubt on the entire bio-fuel effort.
Climate change has been thoroughly discussed, but the Times brings up a less often heard point in their article. We don't often discuss the potential for climate change to expand the range of tropical diseases.
Those arguing against the likelihood of a dramatic expansion of mosquito ranges garner more sympathy from me. The article portrays such people as Yale's Durland Fish as the more skeptical side, pointing out insufficiency of models.
The portrayal of those who expect the expansion is less flattering. Their arguments are presented as simplistic. No one supporting the idea of a massive expansion is ever quoted directly.
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