by Nashid Shabazz

Created on: May 19, 2008

Biofuel - Implications and Government Involvement
The World's Need for a New Fuel Source

Little man, watch out! Biofuel is on the way; and if you don't move, you'll probably get squashed. This biodegradable fuel source is supported by successful corporations and affluent persons who welcome a much needed alternative fuel source. But who will benefit from this evocative source of fuel? Will countries with already minimal amounts of food and water suffer the most from this "wonder" fuel? One thing is for sure, America and other power-hungry nation's have a lust for oil and their governments favor the push toward biofuel production.

Fuel and food are posed contradictory when you discuss the need for biofuel. Any discussion about the increased production of maize and the clearing of thousands of acres of forestry will most likely create some kind of stir. Water usage is not even considered at first thought when you speak of biofuel, till you look a little closer. The "Comprehensive Assessment on Water Management in Agriculture" assessed that the world has good standing on water and food production for a half a century to come. But this estimate was published before the push towards biofuel was enacted.

Biofuel needs a considerable amount of acres of land and forest area to produce corn, soybeans, flaxseed, rapeseed, sugar cane, palm oil and jatropha. These agricultural based biofuel products are grown on cleared tropical rainforest and indigenous peoples' lands. Mass deforestation has actually already taken effect. This clearing of land has lead to forest fires, extinction of rare animals, acceleration of climate change, and a decrease in biodiversity. In accordance, production facilities needed to create the fuel are not actually environmentally safe considering you need coal or natural gas to run these operations. Other effects of biofuel are massive topsoil erosion, pollution of surface and groundwater with pesticides, and fertilizer runoff. These after-effects generate a depletion of oxygen available to the surrounding region.

Proponents of biofuel are prevalent and are supported by governments such as the United States of America and those abroad. President George W. Bush has publicly shown his support of the substitute fuel source after he made a trip to Brazil and met with President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva. The two presidents hope to de-pollute their land and resolve their energy plans. Many believe biofuel will reduce the United State's reliance on foreign

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