Biofuels: environmental friend or foe? Available to Purchase

As the market penetration of biofuels increases, probing questions are being asked about their environmental benefits. These questions cover areas such as limitations on capacity for production, the effect of competition for resources, additional pressure on critical habitats and eco-systems, and some fundamental aspects of the carbon saving claim at the heart of the industry. This paper addresses these issues and evaluates the evidence, reviewing and comparing a range of published material. The technology challenges faced by those who seek further improvement in the environmental footprint of biofuels are explored. Finally the notion of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ biofuels is introduced as a way of linking science and technology to policy and standards. The paper reviews UK production practice and potential in its global context and draws some broader conclusions. Recognising the widely different levels of diligence being applied internationally to improving the environmental impact of biofuels, and given the sensitivity of national governments to vacillations in public opinion, a key conclusion is that answers to the questions posed in this paper will depend partly on public opinion and whether it allows development to proceed in the most environmentally aware countries.