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Agrofuels (often called biofuels) are liquid fuels, notably biodiesel and bioethanol. So-called first generation agrofuels are derived from food crops such as cereals, soybean, rapeseed oil, sugar cane and palm oil. Second generation, which are currently under development, are aimed at using agricultural residues, trees (willow, eucalyptus) and straw, and may involve industrial technologies such as genetically modified microorganisms, crops and trees. Both generations set out to provide fuel on an industrial and large scale for electricity production and transportation. (Source: Friends of the Earth International)
The global oil crisis together with the need to look for cleaner sources of energy due to massive climate change impact has boosted the use and production of ‘biofuels’ as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This has been translated in a huge demand for ‘biofuels’ from the rich world – especially the country members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), who account for 56% of the planet’s energy consumption – that is being produced in the South, especially Latin America and South Asia. (Source: Foodfirst)
Biofuels are now commonly referred to as agrofuels by the majority of NGOs, following the lead of non-governmental organisations and social movements in Latin America. They believe that the prefix bio, which comes from the Greek word for “life”, is entirely inappropriate since it gives a false idea of green energy. The term agrofuels expresses what they say is really happening: agribusiness producing fuel from plants to sustain a wasteful, destructive and unjust global economy. (Source: Grain)
Promoters - industry, government and scientific proponents of agrofuels - claim that they will serve as an alternative to peaking oil, mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing farmer incomes, and promoting rural development. ‘Biofuels’, derived from plant matter such as corn or oil palms, are seen as the greener option because they produce lower emissions of carbon dioxide.
On the other hand, environmental NGOs have increasingly warned that the rush to agrofuels encourages intensive, industrial agriculture, providing a new promotional vehicle for GM crops, and posing a serious threat to food sovereignty. Indeed, the destruction of rainforests, peatlands and other ecosystems to make way for agrofuel plantations may well accelerate global warming.
Agrofuel development has arrived on the global stage, the amount of money that is going to agrofuels is growing by the hour. The problem is the absence of a greater scientific consensus and the lack of effective legislation to protect farmers, workers, consumers, environment and the food supply. An idea that languished for decades has suddenly become the darling of politicians, big business, international financiers and the media.
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| COMMENTS |
Thu May 01 2008 |
There is one topic nobody is openly discussing in an adequate manner. What a shambles is being constructed for our children to confront. What a colossal sham is the soon to be unsustainable pursuit of the primrose path of endless economic growth. What a shame.
Please consider the exemplary work of a splendid scientist, Martha M. Campbell, Ph.D.
Her 2005 presentation has been ignored and yet it is particularly timely in 2008, especially in the light of so many of the world's major polluters avoiding their duties and responsibilties to protect human wellbeing and to preserve the integrity of Earth and its ecosystems.
Please click on the following link,
http://www.populationandsustainability.org/papers/campbellagm.pdf
Thanks to all,
Steve
Steven Earl Salmony
AWAREness Campaign on The Human Population,
established 2001
http://sustainabilitysoutheast.org/index.php
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Steve Salmony
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Chapel Hill, NC
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In-depth
reports |
| Detailed
reports on key issues |
Agriculture and food sovereignty
Farmers could produce enough food to eradicate world hunger. So, why won’t they let them?
World Bank
The World Bank's main self-proclaimed objective is to eradicate poverty. Yet, evidence suggests that its programmes often harm the poor and the environment.
Corporate accountability
How big business handle big issues like human rights and sustainable development.
Oil fueling conflicts
Many wars have been waged and are still being fought all over the world to ensure corporate control over oil.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
It promises to give indigenous peoples a unique voice within the UN system.
The water crisis
If access to water is a basic human right, should its provision be left in the hands of private corporations?
GM food
Is the use of transgenics a justifiable solution to the problem of famine in poor countries?
Climate change
Climate change is widely considered to be one of the gravest threats to the sustainability of the planet.
Desertification
Over 250 million people are directly affected, and one billion people in over 100 countries are at risk.
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Campaigns |
| NGO-organised
actions |
Sign the African call for a moratorium on agrofuel developments
Global climate campaign
Take climate action now!
Support the people of Ecuador against forest destruction
Stop GE trees campaign
Sign for a moratorium on FSC certification of industrial tree plantations
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An overview |
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Agrofuels and climate change |
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Who benefits from agrofuels? |
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The rise in global food prices |
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Destruction of forests and livelihoods |
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Latin America and the Caribbean |
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Asia |
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Africa |
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