Sidney Clouston's Page

Addressing the Millennium Development Goals and
the Transportation Fuel Crisis


by
Clouston Energy Research, LLC
Sidney Clouston, CEO
503-320-9136 Mobile USA
July 5, 2008




Introduction:
Our world has several issues that are causes of great concern in this enlightened and educated age. Many of these issues are bundled in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) suggested by the United Nations. Additionally, due to the population growth and purchasing power of expanding wealth a reallocation of resources is apparent. The application of scientific research and the technology advancements are needed to address the issues.

The Problems:
The MDGs are not on track to be met. A failure of infusion of funds is part of the problem and between 1970 and 2006 the shortfall in aid has been 58% (Source OECD)




"We will have time to reach the Millennium Development Goals –
Worldwide and in most, or even all, individual countries – but
only if we break with business as usual.

2.
We cannot win overnight. Success will require sustained action
across the entire decade between now and the deadline. It takes
time to train the teachers, nurses and engineers; to build the
roads schools and hospitals; to grow the small and large
businesses able to create the jobs and income needed.
So we must start now. And we must more than double global
development assistance over the next few years. Nothing less
will help to achieve the Goals.

" United Nations Secretary-General




Development includes economic and financial programs with funding from the likes of the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). They directly and indirectly support nations’ efforts to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ . These goals include Global Climate Change and Poverty reduction as well as others of importance.

The reliance on donations for the relief of poverty does not necessarily address the root cause. This is a lack of income because of a lack of productive employment of the human resources available. Many people leave a rural area to seek one or several benefits in urban areas. These benefits include education opportunities, jobs and infrastructure such as the Internet and other media. The growth of urban slums exasperates the problems of sanitation and water delivery, etc. Former French President Jacques Chirac once said in regards to the immigration problem from African nations was that it was a problem in development. This was stated to illustrate the lack of development being the cause of people seeking opportunities and resulting illegal migration into Europe.

The Solution:

The shortfall of funding can be reduced by such programs as The Global Partnership on Output Based Aid www.GPOBA.org or Social Enterprises of nonprofit NGO or the University entities. The For Profit Business sector that has a Social Mission could also provide needed development funds, technologies and finance methods.
3.
In a collaboration developed as a Type Two Partnership government, nonprofit and for- profit businesses can complete a funding circle. Any funding by the government may be in essence an investment, creating the employment and tax revenues to replenish their coffers. The services of the nonprofit may enhance the administration of the program or enterprise. A participation of for profit business brings the motivation for self improvement and innovation that is the normal situation. The business may benefit with a special tax arrangement but would normally pay a portion of earnings in tax in addition to the employment derived tax revenue. The cycle of the flow of funds is completed in this partnership.

A plan to expand the feedstock needed for renewable fuel provided by the processing of Switchgrass and/or other Biomass is the Ligno-cellulosic Ethanol is developed and initial agreements are in place. There has been Switchgrass seed sent to Nigeria Africa in cooperation between the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

That was sent to the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). The Research Center at Usmanu Danfodio University in Sokoto is the cooperator along with several United States Researchers associated with several US Universities. One such is the Florida International University and its Applied Research Center. Dr. Zuru Sokoto Energy Research Centre at Usmanu Danfodio University, in Sokoto, Nigeria and Dr. Munroe of the Florida International University’s Applied Research Center and other Researchers from other universities.


The Top Down services are to meet with the Bottom UP activities which are to be Contract Growing contracts for the poor rural people. Employment opportunities can be promoted in urban slums so voluntary relocation to jobs and a better future may be the result. The one time planting of the Switchgrass results in fifteen years or more of root life that sequesters the carbon from the atmosphere. The grass growing and harvested may be considered a net zero carbon footprint due to emissions from the grass that results in the new growth sequestration of the greenhouse gas.

4.
The economics of lower demand with Flex Fuel vehicles from General Motors or such as Ford’s E-85 motors with their plug- in hybrid technology will go far for a reduction in greenhouse gas levels to be reduced. The savings from that disruption will be ample reason for investment in Sustainable Development and uplifting the people in poverty.


The improved communities that have an income for the citizens will be a way to help meet the other Millennium Development Goals and engender Self-esteem of the people.


With feedstock and regional processing infrastructure the demand on finite fossil fuel will be lowered and an anticipated reduction in demand therefore a lower cost for all concerned. Many oil producing countries are looking for diversification of industry. The problems exist now, and we must begin now to implement the solutions.









5.