Does biofuel use cause more harm than good?

12:16pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

BIOFUELS may not be the solution to climate change, environmental campaigners have warned.

The Government's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation means all petrol sold in the UK now has to include at least 2.5 per cent biofuels, which are made from plants.

It aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.

But environmental group Friends of the Earth says the EU should scrap its biofuel targets and tackle transport pollution with mandatory emissions limits on all new cars instead.

The group says the growth in biofuels could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions through land conversion and greater use of chemical fertilisers.

Its statement follows a survey the group commissioned showing 129 out of 167 people questioned in the south east who knew what a biofuel was would prefer governments to curb emissions by improving public transport or making cars greener.

The group protested outside the Houses of Parliament on April 15 to make its point.

Friends of the Earth biofuels campaigner Kenneth Richter said: "This survey shows people want to see real green transport solutions which make a difference to their lives such as better public transport and smarter cars which burn less fuel.

"MEPs from the south east have a chance to put transport policy on the right track when they vote on new European laws this summer."

Mr Richter added: "They should ditch EU biofuels targets and insist vehicle manufacturers double the fuel efficiency on new cars instead."

The Renewable Energy Association represents British renewable energy producers.

Its head of transport biofuels, Clare Wenner, says a United Nations estimate showed only two per cent of agricultural land worldwide will be used for biofuel production by 2030.

She said: "The UK biofuels industry is wholly committed to producing biofuels which will deliver significant greenhouse gas savings.

"UK research has shown bioethanol could reduce these by 65 per cent and biodiesel by 53 per cent compared with conventional fossil fuels."

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