http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/03/biofuels.renewableenergy
"Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian.
The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an internationally-respected economist at global financial body."
"...The report points out biofuels derived from sugarcane, which Brazil specializes in, have not had such a dramatic impact."
So what is the problem with trade with Brazil again? ohhhh....they don't vote in the Iowa caucus!
1 comment:
I question the statement that "Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75%." Since the report is confidential, we cannot see how this was calculated, but I suspect rising fuel costs worldwide are driving up food costs more rapidly than biofuels. I hope this was taken into account, but we can' be certain.
Biofuels are a tricky subject, and I am torn with regard to them. On the one hand, agriculture is not good for the environment, and I certainly do not want to bring additional acres under cultivation to create biofuels. I also feel that when much of the world is hungry, it is irresponsible to grow non-comestible crops.
On the other hand, more research could be done to increase the productivity of plowed acres, to reduce the impact of biofuels on both the environment and food prices. Also, climate change is an incredibly complex and dangerous problem for our planet. It will take an equally complex and varied system of responses to curb warming. While some existing alternative energy sources are better (ex. wind), I'm not ruling anything out just yet.
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