Food versus Fuel

An Informed Introduction to Biofuels

Edited by Frank Rosillo-Calle and Francis X. Johnson

'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.

Reviews

'While the food versus fuel debate still rages, this book fulfills an important role in introducing the pros and cons of biofuels in a rigorous, well-informed and accessible way that will surely improve the understanding of the issues by the general public. It will therefore help the debate move in a constructive way.' - Olivier Dubois, Bioenergy Group Coordinator, FAO

'The issue of Food versus Fuel is very topical and is important for understanding our future energy and food habits. The book’s competent organizers were very fortunate in bringing positive and negative views from well known global experts and, in the end, providing guidance for the reader to make his/her own conclusion.' - Professor Jose Roberto Moreira, University of São Paulo and Director, Biomass Users Network-Brazil

'This is a fundamental book for everyone interested in our future. Possibly the impact of biofuels production on food availability is the most decisive externality of bioenergy industry, but still it has been discussed mostly emotionally and without proper information. Presenting pro and against tutorial studies from experienced authors, and including social and environmental aspects as well, this book clarifies this rather complex question and highlights the decisive differences among the biofuels productive routes put forward currently. Beyond polarized perceptions, a convergence point arises: just with efficient use of natural resources, bioenergy makes sense.' - Professor Luiz Horta Nogueira, Itajubá Federal University, Brazil, and UN consultant on bioenergy

'Presenting balanced evidence and including authors that represent a full range of views on the subject, Food vs Fuel – an informed introduction discusses some of the key issues related to feeding the world population while simultaneously providing energy for their comfort using biofuels. Biofuels have been in use for a long time, and today the main example is that of Brazil where the volume of sugarcane ethanol used yearly is larger than the volume of gasoline. The authors, all renowned specialists in their fields, discuss topics such as land use, energy balance, rural development, impacts on climate change and new results to be expected from ongoing R&D. This is an excellent, detailed overview of the main themes in this challenging field.' - Professor Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, Scientific Director, São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

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:

Frank Rosillo-Calle is an Honorary Research Fellow in Biomass Energy at Imperial College London. He obtained his doctorate at the University of Aston (UK), and Campinas (Brazil), where he investigated Brazil's ethanol fuel programme. He has more than 30 years' experience in bioenergy research, and has been involved in many international research projects. His research areas include alternative transport fuels, biomass production and use, international bioenergy trade, environmental impacts, and policy analysis and networking. He has taught at various universities at MSc and PhD level, and has more than 80 publications in various aspects of bioenergy.

Francis X. Johnson is Senior Research Fellow in Climate and Energy at the Stockholm Environment Institute. Previously he was a Senior Research Associate in Energy Analysis at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He holds masters degrees in operations research and in public policy, with a specialization in energy and environmental policy analysis. He has been an expert adviser and/or evaluator for several international organizations, including the European Commission, UNIDO, Eurostat, FAO and the European Parliament. During 2002-06, he was Scientific Coordinator of the Cane Resources Network for Southern Africa (CARENSA), an EC-funded North-South-South thematic research network with thirteen partners, focusing on bioenergy from sugarcane.

Food versus Fuel

An Informed Introduction to Biofuels

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