by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: June 13, 2008

Reports in the media regarding food shortage protests in countries such as Haiti are evidence of the socioeconomic costs of ethanol production. But why, and how did this all come about? Though some (including Brazil) would argue against it, our modern-day biofuel revolution is largely to blame. In this article, we'll take a close look at ethanol and how it is leading to food shortages and higher prices around the world.

The most prominent alternative fuel produced today is undoubtedly biofuel. The term "biofuel" is used to describe a variety of renewable sources of energy derived from plant matter. The most popular biofuel today is undoubtedly ethanol or E-85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Here in the United States, ethanol is derived primarily from corn; while in other countries such as Brazil, the renewable is made from sugar cane.

On December 19, 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act which, among other initiatives, sets forth an eightfold increase in biofuel energy production from 4.7 billion gallons in 2007 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. An important (yet controversial) source of renewable energy, ethanol is recognized for its ability to reduce reliance on volatile sources of foreign oil. However, the consequences of ethanol production vis-a-vis global warming and rising food prices may outstrip its capacity to act as a viable long-term alternative to finite fossil fuels.

The American Coalition for Ethanol cites numerous advantages to the popular renewable including job creation; local, state, and national economic stimulus; bolstering of the nation's agricultural industry and rural communities; energy security and independence; and a healthier environment.(1) Yet according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center, the production of ethanol is powered by the burning of natural gas, coal, or electricity which produces greenhouse gases.(2) Fertilizers, farm equipment, and transportation are also important considerations when calculating the total energy input of ethanol production.

Furthermore, in February 2008, two studies published in the prestigious journal Science critiqued ethanol as a viable long-term replacement for oil. The studies concluded that the sum total carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol production are equal to or greater than traditional fossil fuel energy production, thus leading to increased global warming, which in turn

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