Scientists in America have managed to genetically modify microscopic bugs to excrete crude oil when they eat waste, says Atticus. Could this be the global warming panacea? Of course, as with all eco technologies, it's far too early to tell...

The superbugs feed off the waste products used in regular agriculture and so would not affect food production. The company developing the bugs, LS9, have also put forward that the process will be carbon negative.

The nearest the company has got to mass production is a 1,000-litre fermenting container attached to a huge computer (yet to be plugged in); it sounds a bit like making ale, except the final product is much less enjoyable. Who knows, though, we may all soon be brewing our own petrol. I'll be careful keep my ale and petrol production strictly separate, or there could be some damaged engines and upset stomachs