The lowdown: biofuels

8 October 2009

She says: I've discovered the petrol in my car contains biofuels. So my driving is doing less damage to the planet than it was before.

You say: Not really. Since April 2008 suppliers have to add biofuels to petrol and diesel, but there is no green advantage.

In fact many crop-based biofuels cause more emissions than the fossil fuels they replace.

She says: How come? I thought that biofuels were good for the planet because they come from plants.

And plants absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. 

You say: In theory, yes. But in reality, you're wrong. Biofuels come from crops such as palm oil and soy, grown in countries like Indonesia and Brazil.

And in many cases, rainforest is being cleared to grow them.

She says: Ah, but I heard the Government has allowed for that in its calculations.

You say: It's more complicated. The Government tries to take into account the amount of forest being cleared.

But the statistics ignore the fact that forests are also being cleared to grow food crops that have been displaced by biofuel plantations.

She says: Um... I still don't get it.

You say:  When the full impact is taken into account, many crop-based biofuels cause more climate changing emissions than the petrol and diesel they replace.

Trying to cut emissions by adding biofuels to petrol is like trying to cut down on beer by lacing your pints with vodka.

She says: That doesn't sound good. I like my lager crisp and clear. So what are the options?

You say: We should stop adding biofuels to UK petrol and diesel. And think about true green alternatives.

She says: Go on...

You say: What about first-class public transport, more cycle routes and smarter cars that save on fuel?

Nearly a quarter of all car trips are less than 2 miles, short enough to be taken on foot, or by bicycle or public transport.

If we all walked or cycled a bit more, we'd get fitter too.

She says: Are you saying I'm not fit? 

You say: I was just thinking of all that lager.