[DOWNLOAD] "Squaring Biofuels with Food (Forum) (Letter to the Editor)" by Issues in Science and Technology # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Squaring Biofuels with Food (Forum) (Letter to the Editor)
- Author : Issues in Science and Technology
- Release Date : January 22, 2009
- Genre: Engineering,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 485 KB
Description
In their discussion of land-use issues pertaining to biofuels ("In Defense of Biofuels, Done Right," Issues, Spring 2009) Keith Kline, Virginia H. Dale, Russell Lee, and Paul Leiby highlight results from a recent interagency assessment [the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), 2008] based on analyses of current land use and U.S. Department of Agriculture base-line projections. The BRDI study finds that anticipated U.S. demand for food and feed, including exports, and the feedstock required to produce the 36 billion gallons of biofuels mandated by the renewable fuel standard are likely to be met by the use of land that is currently managed for agriculture and forestry. Looking at what would happen based on current trends is an important part of the overall biofuels picture, but only a part. Developing a strategic perspective on the role of biofuels in a sustainable world over the long term requires an approach that is global in scope and looks beyond the continuation of current practices with respect to land use as well as the production and consumption of both food and fuel. Although there is a natural reluctance to consider change, we must do so, because humanity cannot expect to achieve a sustainable and secure future by continuing the practices that have resulted in the unsustainable and insecure present.