New Generation of Biofuels Turns out to be Another Disaster

Posted on behalf of Carolynn Johnson, YP4 Fellow with 1Sky

Right now our transportation system, with tens of millions of cars on the road, is one of the leading contributors to climate change in this country. Our transportation system is also heavily dependent on oil supplies, and although we can’t accurately predict when they will run out, we do know they can’t last forever.

The 1Sky campaign is working hard to ensure that our country finds secure transportation and energy solutions that will provide us with stable options and help us reduce our carbon footprint. One proposal in the past decade has been to convert renewable and organic materials into fuels. The European Union took early action with the idea and demanded that 10% by 2020 of transportation fuel come from biofuels.

Unfortunately, in the past few weeks studies have published persuasive evidence that biofuels are not the solution. Instead of helping out, they pose a threat to the environment, food prices and carbon emissions. [ link here]

A lot of people are holding out faith for second generation biofuels made from crop residues, natural grasses, and even municipal trash.  However, the second generation is proving to be just as problematic. Removing crop residues from fields increases erosion and carbon emissions, burning organic material with higher concentrations of fertilizer emits more global warming pollutants, and the increased demand for land fuels deforestation and drives up food prices. 

Biofuels allow us to continue to look the other way at unsustainable consumption of oil and an inefficient transportation system. Instead of finding another quick-fix or band-aid, let’s reduce our consumption and conserve our current energy supplies. By asking congress to implement real solutions to climate change and energy problems, we can help secure a long-term and sustainable energy future.  Please, pledge to visit your Congressional representative when they are in your district in late March and send a message to the Presidential candidates as well.