Biofuels for Transport Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Energy and Agriculture

The world is on the verge of an unprecedented increase in the production and use of biofuels for transport. The combination of rising oil prices, issues of security, climate instability and pollution, deepening poverty in rural and agricultural areas, and a host of improved technologies, is propelling governments to enact powerful incentives for the use of these fuels, which is in turn sparking investment.

Biofuels for Transport is a unique and comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks of the large-scale production of biofuels. The book demystifies complex questions and concerns, such as thefood v. fuel debate. Global in scope, it is further informed by five country studies from Brazil, China, Germany, India and Tanzania.

The authors conclude that biofuels will play a significant role in our energy future, but warn that the large-scale use of biofuels carries risks that require focused and immediate policy initiatives.

Published in association with BMELV, FNR and GTZ.

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization that focuses on innovative solutions to global environmental, resource, and economic problems.

Published under the auspices of a project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) through the Agency of Renewable Resources (FNR), and co-ordinated by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ).