Sputnik moment in biofuels?

Axel Heitmann of Lanxess admits that fossil fuels will remain an important part of the global economy “for decades, possibly even centuries.” However he notes that this research effort is part of a “paradigm shift” that is now taking place. “People may choose to think of this as our “Sputnik moment,” but today’s chemical revolution is already making the Space Race appear modest by comparison. The golden age of chemistry that has begun will ultimately reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and will generate sensible new ways to drive our cars, fly our planes, heat our homes and manufacture our products. We are committed to playing a part in launching this new era in history.”