Almost all biofuels used today cause more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels if the full emissions costs of producing these “green” fuels are taken into account, two studies being published Thursday have concluded.
Destruction of habitat to grow biofuel is a primary reason. Also, using cropland to grown biofuel means less food is grown, something especially of concern in developing countries.
However, some biofuel is not so destructive. This includes biofuel produced from algae, leftovers from agriculture and food processing, and methane from landfills.
If Craig Venter is right, all the above becomes a moot point because new organisms with synthetic genes will be able to create enormous amounts of biofuel from, are you ready, CO2.
Funnily enough, I’ve been commissioned to write a news story about the planned building of the biggest biofuel plant in the world, right here in South Wales, about twenty miles from my home.
Residents of Port Talbot, where it’s going to be, are dead against it… because of the impact it’s going to have on the environment. Specifically, their environment. Not that this has an awful lot to do with your story. Just thought you’d be interested.
Yeah I just wrote an article about the disadvantages and advantages of biofuel. It is not really what it says to be. The amount of land needed for cultivation is huge and third world countries looking to make some money will clear there forests and woodlands to get that extra buck.
Plus the processing emits a large amount of gas emissions, although not carbon dioxide, instead now it’s Nitrous oxide.
Thats no better then CO2.
It’s sad when technology exists to get 100 mpg from a Lincoln Continental– or 7,000 mpg from an experimental car– and companies would rather line up to sell fuel (from any source) than to sell fuel-efficient cars.