75 scientists call for end to biofuels targets

A new report bringing together the work of 75 international scientists has highlighted a wide range of problems with biofuels and recommends that targets and mandates intended to encourage biofuel use should be dropped.

Included among the risks identified, were:
* competition for scarce water supplies;
* pollution of water supplies;
* greenhouse emissions resulting from land clearing for biofuel crop plantations, and from other stages of the biofuel production process;
* displacement of food production; and
* displacement of small farmers and vulnerable communities.

Rather than promoting biofuel consumption, governments should instead adopt policies that "reduce fuel consumption for transport" and ensure that any biofuel production that does take place uses "best agricultural management practices" and benefits rural poor populations.

Full report:
Biofuels: Environmental Consequences and Interactions with Changing...