Barack Obama is in Ottawa today on his first international appearance since the inaugaration. Word is that he will be initiating a Clean Fuels agreement with Prime Minister Harper, which couldn't be anything but good for the biotech industry as it may spur research in areas of biofuel and alternative fuel production. According to the Guardian Environmental Network, Obama is determined to promote sustainable industrial practices, create "green jobs" and promote clean energy and green technologies, creating a "new era of prosperity" that does not depend on fossil fuels.
Rumors are also flying that he will soon overturn Bush’s decision to ban funding to embryonic stem cell research. While still a controversial ethical issue, a decision to free up funding for research programs dependent upon embryonic stem cells will most certainly promote biomedical research in those areas. For my own personal reasons, however, I hope that finding alternative stem cell sources continues to be an important focus of scientists in medical research. I also believe that many people would be more comfortable undergoing therapeutic cloning treatments that involve injections of stem cells originating from their own skin or other organs, and that this may turn out to be a safer alternative to treatment with stem cells from foreign sources.
Sources:
Schneider, K. What Barack Obama's Inaugaration Means for Green Energy. From Yale Environment 360, Guardian Environmental Network, guardian.co.uk, Jan. 19, 2009.
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