Zed Books Food versus Fuel: An Informed Introduction to Biofuels

'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 current debate on the major issues affecting the development of biofuels in a concise and clear manner so that to provide and informed, nuanced but accessible introduction, grounded in science and economics rather than conjecture and controversy. Review '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, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) '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.' --Dr. Luiz Horta Nogueira, Professor at Itajubá Federal University (Brazil) and United Nations agencies consultant on bioenergy 'Presenting balanced evidence and including authors that represent a full range of views on the subject, Food vs Fuel is an informed introduction discussing 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 Diretor Científico, FAPESP About the Author Dr Frank Rosillo-Calle is a Research Fellow in Biomass Energy. 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 25 years experience in bioenergy research, and has been involved in many international research projects. Research areas include alternative transport fuels, biomass production and use, international bioenergy trade, environmental impacts, policy analysis, networking, etc. He has taught at various universities at MSc and PhD level, and has more than 70 publications in various aspects of bioenergy. Francis X. Johnson is Senior Research Fellow in Climate and Energy at Stockholm Environment Institute in Stockholm, Sweden and leads the Bioresources and Energy Policy group. 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 specialisation in Energy and Environmental Policy Analysis. He has been an expert advisor and/or evaluator for several international organisations, including the