Sustainable and Renewable

So the current trend is to try to use sustainable and renewable energy sources.  One touted is ethanol, frequently made from corn. 

So, what happens, as is happening this year, if there is a widespread drought, and no corn is raised?

As my favorite sportscaster commented today, if you eat or wear clothing, you  are in agribusiness, and are being effected by the drought. It will have a major economic effect on Lubbock, which has an economy that is integrally tied to agriculture. 

It will have an effect on food, fuel, clothing.  It will dry up moneys for charities. It will slow purchases, and the retail industry will retract. Fewer jobs will mean less spending will mean fewer jobs, etc.

We keep thinking we have solved the problem of fuel and energy sources, and we get our come-uppance.  This year, the earthquake in Japan made proponents of nuclear power have to re-defend and re-think their solution. And, made many others think twice about nuclear power as a solution.

It is true that this is "a small world after all."  A drought in Texas can influence other parts of the world. 

Weather related disasters have swept across the country this year.  So there are many places in this country where agriculture, industry and residences are having to rebuild. While rebuilding refuels the economy, from whence do the funds come?  Insurance companies, savings, and government assistance.  Insurance claims cause increased rates.  Savings depletes cash reserves.  Government assistance grows the already way too large debt.  

What is the answer?  I do not know.