news/updates
Reviewing the effects of biofuels
ROSES & THORNS By Alejandro R. Roces
Philippine Star
January 31, 2008
The quest for solutions to problems brought about by global warming and its subsequent adverse effects like climate change, have raised additional concerns that might aggravate an already precarious condition. Global warming has brought to fore the apparent need to develop alternative fuel sources that will diminish man's dependence on fossil fuel. The continued spiraling of fuel prices has underscored this need even more.
Because of this, many countries are already making the slow but steady transition to the utilization of biofuels as alternative sources of energy. American farmers are said to be planning to plant the most corn since World War II to cash in on ethanol which, we all know, is added to gasoline. Another source of biofuel can come from coconuts. Pacific island countries like Marshall Islands have been experimenting with coconut oil as an alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles, power generators and even ships for several years already. We have mentioned before that many countries are also turning to jatropha, which can also be used as an alternative to diesel fuel. Many global business leaders see jatropha to be the next revolution in the continuing search for renewable fuel. Jatropha can be intercropped with other cash crops as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables too. Our country's topographical makeup makes it very ideal for developing crops intended for biofuel use. Aside from saving our country millions of dollars in foreign exchange, our farmers stand to benefit from this as well because it will mean additional income for them.
These are all welcome developments in the quest for solutions to what might be the most dangerous threat to his existence mankind has ever faced. But here is where we face a catch 22 situation. So far, every solution for a problem we have come up with brings about another problem. According to one particular report, the development of crops intended for these biofuels have raised fears that the destruction of the world's remaining forests could be accelerated as farmers meet the biofuel demand. This development also threatens to increase global poverty level, as the costs of basic commodities can be expected to increase as food and fuel crops compete for land and resources.
There have been many alternative energy sources that have already been discovered and developed. However, we have to thoroughly study its effects first. In our continuing quest for solutions to the global warming phenomena, where do we go? Do we sacrifice our own race's survival in exchange for progress and development? Or do we forego these to ensure our continued existence? I think, the answer should be obvious.
