15 Apr 2011 10:04:02

FoE speaks out against biofuels

Friends of the Earth (FoE) has spoken out against the use of biofuels to cut transport emissions, saying reductions should instead be achieved through a range of policy initiatives.

Recent reports into the use of the fuel have produced somewhat contradictory results.

A study by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, called Biofuels: Ethical Issues, suggested the creation of the fuel under current UK and European Union policies often has a negative impact on the environment and human rights.

However, further recent research by the UK Energy Research Centre, published in Biofuels, suggested planting short-rotation energy crops on unused agricultural land could meet four percent of the UK's energy demand, without impacting on food production.

Kenneth Richter, biofuels campaigner at FoE, said only by reducing demand for CO₂ intensive fuels through a range of policies will transport emissions be cut.

"It's about more efficient cars that use less fuel, investing in better public transport and encouraging people to leave their cars at home and use public transport, as well as better facilities for cycling and walking for short distances," he said.