Introduction: Biofuels and the environment in the 21st century

Abstract

Biofuels are combustible materials derived directly or indirectly from biomass (plants or organic wastes). Their use in industrial countries is being promoted as a way to increase energy independence and security and a sustainable way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to farmer income (BRDi 2008; FAO 2008b). In develop- ing countries, biofuels are being used to promote development by opening a new business opportunities, creating jobs, and increasing incomes. Whether biofuels can deliver these benefits and at what cost has been questioned. Production of biofuels may result in a variety of environmental consequences brought by changes in land use, expansions in agriculture, changes in agricultural practices, transport-ation of the biomass used to make biofuels, conversion of the biomass into fuels, and disposal of the remaining waste materials after fuels are made.