BIO FUELS Climate Saviour? or Global Menace?

Global transport Much of the worlds transport relies on fossil fuels in the form of petrol (gasoline) or diesel made from oil. When these fuels are burnt, they release greenhouses gases (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide) which contribute to climate change. Tackling climate change is a global challenge with wide ranging environmental impacts.

Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, which means they will eventually run out. As supplies deplete, competition for these resources becomes fierce and prices rise. This has impacts on global trade, economy and may even start resource wars. Environmentalists, scientists, politicians and engineers are searching for alternatives to powering our global transport systems. Left to right: Solar powered transport, Bio fuels, hydrogen powered transport

What are bio-fuels? Bio-fuels can be defined as a combustible fuel produced from biomass (plant-based materials or waste). Bio-fuels are an alternative to fossil fuels. Bio-fuels release less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when they are burnt. These fuels are generally in the form of alcohols (ethanol), esters, ethers and other chemicals that are made by fermenting the sugars in the plants.

Henry Ford’s first car, the quadracycle, ran on alcohol. Rudolf Diesel fired his first diesel engine on peanut oil. As transport and cars developed, it was found that fossil fuel ‘oil’ products were cheaper and more powerful per gallon than plant fuel, but now they are running out. Bio-fuels are more ‘climate friendly’, as fossil fuels unlock ancient carbon when burnt. Bio-fuels capture carbon during their growing season and release less carbon when burnt, with the next crop continuing to absorb carbon as it grows.

Arguments in favour of bio-fuels They are regarded as cleaner and more sustainable, at a time when oil is increasingly expensive. They will help cut harmful emissions, reduce the impact of climate change and cut dependence on oil. The government believes that bio-fuels reduce emissions by 50-60%, compared to fossil fuels.

Bio-fuels could be a much cheaper source of energy that comes from organic matter and are, therefore, renewable. They can be grown on land not needed or wanted for food crops (such as cereals).

Bio-fuels could help farmers in poorer countries, who can grow the necessary crops, thereby generating jobs, wealth and a valuable crop for export. Could save drivers money – UK Government (and those in other countries) have introduced tax incentives for those driving ‘green’ cars with reduced emissions.

Arguments against bio-fuels Some scientists and environmental groups believe bio-fuels do more harm than good, because of the energy needed to grow them (machinery, transporting, processing), the use of fertilisers and the CO2 they cause through deforestation. We need to consider the whole ‘life cycle’ of the fuel production.

Fuel V Food: Growing crops for bio-fuels means that there are less food crops being grown, which translates into shortages and price rises. It is estimated that, globally, 100 million people are at risk due to food prices. A recent World Bank report said that bio-fuels had pushed up food prices by 75 per cent and led to food riots in several countries. Food riots in Argentina (left)

The demand for bio-fuels has led to millions of acres of rainforest in Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa and Brazil being cleared for crops. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that tropical deforestation could be as much as 40,000 hectares daily - an area equal to four times the size of Paris. The FAO estimates that 25-30 per cent of global CO2 emissions are caused by deforestation. The forests act as vital natural sinks for carbon and as 'air conditioning units' for the planet.

The clearance of forests often spells disaster for the animals and plants, and for the people who depend on them for survival. Oxfam warns that 60m people in Asia, Africa and South America are threatened with possible eviction to make way for "green" fuel plantations, such as palm oil, soya or sugar cane. Below: Greenpeace poster highlighting the threat to orang-utans from the growth of bio-fuels Left: The Penan people of Malaysia at threat from bio-fuel plantations http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/biofuel-push-threatens-nomad-tribe/2007/07/28/1185339319498.html