Biofuel - Renewable Energy Or Another Environmental Disaster?

People use energy to make their lives more convenient. They have invented machines that heat and light up their homes, get themselves from one place to another, and simplify their work. Sources for energy, like electricity and substances like gasoline, are needed for these machines to function.

Much of the world's energy supply comes from elements like coal, oil and natural gas. These sources of energy are called non-renewable because once they are taken from the ground and used, they cannot be immediately replaced. Renewable energy instantly replaces itself after being used and comes in an abundant supply. Renewable energy comes from natural sources like sunlight, wind and water.

Another source for energy is biofuel. Biofuel is derived from recently dead biological materials, mostly photosynthetic plants. Biofuels have come to be used mainly for fueling transportation.

Theoretically, biofuel is the best way to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gasses. Or is it?

Many environmental NGOs around the world support biofuel as one of the more effective renewable technologies. Yet, what do we really know about biofuels? Can they really reduce climate change emissions without causing serious damage?

There are several problems and issues that arise with the use of biofuels. First is the issue of food vs. fuel. Prices of crops used for both food and biofuel have increased in the past few years. Some say biofuel is not the main cause; rather, this is a result of government actions to support biofuels. Nonetheless, the impact of the decrease in food supplies is greatest on poorer countries.

It is sometimes claimed that biofuels are carbon-neutral because they only release CO2 when they are burned, which is already found in the atmosphere. However, some studies have linked biodiesel to the emission of potent and long-lasting greenhouse gasses. In October 2007, a study was presented by scientists from the U.S., Britain, Austria, and Germany. They stated that the burning of biofuels from rapeseed and corn can produce nitrous oxide emissions. This means that biofuels can contribute as much, or even more, to global warming, compared to the burning of fossil fuels.

Another threat that has surfaced is the impact of biofuels on water resources. Water is used in the irrigation of biofuel crops and in producing biofuels in refineries. Stress in the water supply can create serious threats, evident in countries like Spain, which has a large biofuel production that draws on diminishing groundwater.

Human consumption of biofuel can also harm biodiversity. Microorganisms break down waste biomass left on the ground so that they can produce valuable nutrients in the soil. These nutrients are necessary for future crops. Biomass waste from plants provides habitats to certain forms of wildlife. If humans continue to use biofuel, the lives of these organisms and natural habitats may be jeopardized.

The risks of using biofuels do not end there. In the goal of making lives better with the use of energy-dependent machines, humans have also created substances and processes that could harm the planet. People have been searching for ways to lessen environmental dangers and reduce climate change emissions. Renewable energy seems to be the answer, and yet, biofuels too have their share of harmful effects.

Environment Resources for Biofuel

Article in the LA Times about how "Biofuel Crops Might Increase Carbon Emissions".

Article published at MIT that "Biofuels report warns of strain on water resources".