Presumably Rifkin is talking about a pure hydrogen economy, independent of fuel cells. Fuel cells are the next logical step in the direction of a new energy paradigm as they will help reduce dependence on oil and rely more heavily on natural gas, which is readily available, relatively cheap and less polluting. Reformers on vehicles will eliminate the need for high pressure hydrogen containment. This technology is available today. Conflict of interest statement: I presently own stock in the Fuel Cell Corporation. Click on FAQ's:Click on "Fuel Cell Animation" to see the process at work.Several years ago I published a monthly newsletter that tracked the performance of a representative number of fuel cell stocks which I called a mock fuel cell fund. In my opinion, Jeremy Rifkin is one of the worst of the environmentalists.Environmental Scientist: Jeremy Rifkin Jeremy Rifkin is President of the Foundation on Economic Trends, President of the Greenhouse Crisis Foundation and head of the Beyond Beef Coalition. Critics of Rifkin have labeled him "anti-science" and a "professional activist." Indeed, Rifkin seems to have substantial experience as a political activist. During the 1960s and 1970s, he joined the peace movement, serving as the organizer of the 1968 March on the Pentagon and founder of the Citizens Commission (1969), a group established to bring public attention to alleged U.S. war crimes in Vietnam. In 1971, Rifkin established the counter-cultural People's Bicentennial Commission to provide an alternative to official U.S. government plans to celebrate the bicentennial.
By the late 1970s, Rifkin focus shifted to the fledgling biotechnology industry. Although Rifkin possesses no formal training in the sciences, he nonetheless speaks out against biotechnology, the genetic research that could offer cures to diseases such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Alzheimer's and others and has already made possible the development of heartier, more disease-resistant agricultural crops. Rifkin apparently fears that without strict government controls, biotechnology would allow scientists to "play God" and result in Nazi-type attempts to create a master race.
Sorry, I don't know how to turn off the red line breaks.
Sam
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