$200 for a Barrel of Oil: A Fait Accompli? Written By: Mark Bershatsky 2008-05-23 15:21:40
As 2008 rolls on, we are continuing to see crude oil's meteoric rise as well as the direct and indirect harm that this trend is causing. Not only are certain industries with end-products or services dependent on crude oil (transportation, plastics, etc.) feeling their margins squeezed, but there is also an increasing fear that broader inflation is being sparked. So far consumer prices have only inched up, though that serves little or no indication of what is to come.
Are China's Environmental Policies Just Lip Service? Written By: Mark Bershatsky 2007-09-30 18:34:58 a burgeoning economy and fending off pressures of global warming has, is, and will continue to be an interesting challenge for the Chinese government. China is a ratified member of the Kyoto Protocol (has been since 2002), yet is now the world's top emitter of greenhouse gases. Just three years ago, China had emitted approximately 54% of the greenhouse gases of the United States. Even though the United States is still easily the largest emitter of greenhouse gases per capita, this is a testament to China's growth. But what can we say about China's commitment to combat global warming?
As the Auto Shows Evolve... Written By: Mark Bershatsky 2008-01-16 12:23:19
I fondly remember the first (and only) time I went to the International Auto Show in Detroit. On that blustery Saturday morning in January 1997, I had recently begun my last semester of college and I was lamenting with a couple of friends about how we had never been to the largest and most famous auto show in the country. So, without much ado, we decided to climb into a car and drive one hour east to the Motor City.
Can Coal Really be Facing Challenges Ahead? Written By: Mark Bershatsky 2007-09-23 21:51:53 Coal is an interesting substance. In simple terms, it is a material comprised of long carbon chains of a sinister, jet black color. It will leave a black mark on everything it comes into contact with, both metaphorically and literally. Yet, when put in a high temperature and pressure environment, these sheets of carbon become compressed. If the appropriate amount of heat and pressure is applied, the geometric structure of these carbon sheets changes -- and you have bonds of sparkling diamonds. (So yes, the diamond-encrusted jewelry that we men spend vast sums of money on to please our ladies is no more than a rearrangement of one of the planet's most abundant resources.)
Cellulosic Ethanol Coming to America Written By: Mark Bershatsky 2007-09-08 10:38:20 Photo:ASurroca, Creative Commons, Flickr
So the ethanol industry continues its uphill battle. United States-based ethanol pureplays such as Aventine Renewable Energy (AVR), VeraSun Energy (VSE), and USBioEnergy (USBE) continue to receive a blind eye from investors as their stock prices languish. In previous postings, we have discussed how the ethanol industry is at an inflection point, which would support a near-term bearish outlook. However, there have since been some developments that will help to further define the marketplace over the long run.
