Food versus Fuel

An Informed Introduction to Biofuels

Francis Johnson, Frank Rosillo-Calle

Food versus Fuel presents a high-level introduction to the science and economics behind a well-worn debate, that will debunk myths and provide quality facts and figures for academics and practitioners in development studies, environment studies, and agricultural studies. Compiled by an internationally renowned scientist and authority, and to include perspectives from ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ biofuels experts and activists, from the North and South, the aim of this book is to bring a balanced approach to the current debate on the major issues affecting the development of biofuels in a concise and clear manner in order to provide an informed, nuanced but accessible introduction, grounded in science and economics rather than conjecture and controversy.

Contents

1. Food And Fuel Debate: Setting The Scene–Frank Rosillo-Calle and Jeff Tschirley
2. Why We Should Not Be Using Biofuels–Environmental And Economic Costs–David Pimentel et al
3. Why Biofuels Are Important–Energy, Environmental And Social Benefits–Luís Cortez and Manoel Regis L.V. Leal
4. Biofuels, Agriculture And Land Use Issues–J. Richard Hess et al
5. The Role of Biofuels in Promoting Socio-Economic Rural Development–Rocio Diaz-Chavez
6. Biofuels And Climate Change: Implications For GHG Emissions, Biodiversity, Impacts And Adaptation–Nh Ravindranath, Ritumbara Manuvie and C. Sita Lakshmi
7. Future Trends In Biomass Resources For Food And Fuel–Francis X. Johnson and Ivar Virgin
8. Food Versus Fuel Debate–Concluding Remarks–Frank Rosillo Calle and Francis X. Johnson

About the Authors

Francis X. Johnson is Senior Research Fellow in Climate and Energy at Stockholm Environment Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Dr. Frank Rosillo-Calle is a Research Fellow in Biomass Energy at Imperial College London.