news

Is the rapid widespread of the use of biofuel (energy source obtained from biomass) really sustainable?! In January, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) submitted its report on biofuel, which has been much talked about as an effective measure for preventing global warming. According to the report, although biofuel is effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there are fears that rain forests will be cut down for agricultural land, and the land may dry up as a result of large-scale deforestation. The IIED suggests that in order to prevent this from happening, countries should come together to rapidly outline the basic terms and reflect such agreement in their national policies.

At the moment, 90% of biofuel is consumed within the respective country it was produced in. But this is beginning to change. For example the EU aims to use biofuel in 5.75% of gas consuming cars by 2010, but in order to achieve this objective, they will need 5 times more biofuel, so the supply from domestic production will not be sufficient. That is why international trade for biofuel is increasing rapidly. Already, countries like Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia are expanding their cultivation plans for biofuel.

It seems that we should draw on the wisdom and experiences of people all over the world so that what people are undertaking as being "good" for preventing global warming will not end up actually promoting global warming.

Related URL/media
http://www.iied.org/mediaroom/releases/070126-biofuels.html