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The Biofuel Debate

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A biofuel gas pump — Are biofuels really the way of the future?Image: PA/dpa

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Biofuels were supposed to be the "green" answer to fossil fuels, and with world oil prices rising, the biofuel business is booming. But the new oil alternative has unforeseen costs, raising the question of just how green and eco-friendly biofuels really are. Get a clearer picture of this complicated issue by looking at DW-WORLD's coverage below.

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Angela Merkel in front of Brazil map

Angela Merkel in front of Brazil map

Latin America Trip

On the first day of Angela Merkel's Latin America trip, biofuels in Brazil topped the agenda.

A close-up shot of corn cobs

A close-up shot of corn cobs

Bad Biofuels?

Germany has rejected claims that fuel crops are causing a worldwide spike in food prices.

ie biofuels

englisch: ie biofuels - Produziert: 13.05.2008 - 14:11:36 von Kyle

Second-generation production facility

Second-generation production facility

The Next Big Thing?

As biofuels from food crops fall out of favor, a new contender takes center stage.

LP110408 BIOFUEL

englisch: LP110408 BIOFUEL - Produziert: 11.04.2008 - 20:21:07 von hawkes

Barley ears in field with cows in background

Barley ears in field with cows in background

Agriculture Revisited

German Agriculture Minister has called for a drastic rise in European agricultural production.

In order to combat rising food prices, Germany's development minister has called for a moratorium on biofuel projects - Journal (english) 22.04.2008 8 UTC

In order to combat rising food prices, Germany's development minister has called for a moratorium on biofuel projects. Riots in poor countries around the world have drawn international attention to the soaring prices of crucial staples such as corn, rice and wheat. At talks here in Berlin on Monday, officials called for a pact on food security.

Greenpeace protestors outside the Brazilian embassy this week

Greenpeace protestors outside the Brazilian embassy this week

Illegal Logging

The EU needs to start curbing exhaustive cultivation of tropical rainforests and illegal logging.

Cereals or Biofuel? - Global 3000, 21.04.2008

Biofuels like ethanol have been praised as the energy of the future, since they're derived from a renewable resource, environmentally-friendly and an affordable alternative to traditional fuels. But can grains be used for food and for making fuel at the same time? More crops going into energy production means less food on people's plates. Already it's becoming clear in Africa, Asia and Latin America that the trend is affecting the world's poorest the hardest. People who have to survive on less than a Dollar a day are feeling the pinch as prices for imported grains rise and they're no longer able to afford basic foodstuffs. Many European consumers are aware of the problem but biofuels remain in demand. The main reason is that biofuels are seen as key to meeting targets for emissions cuts as part of climate agreements.

biofuel petrol pumps

biofuel petrol pumps

Biofuel Bust?

Europe is defending its biofuel policy against criticism that it has caused high food prices.

Calls for a rethink on biofuels as rising food prices threaten millions with hunger - je 16.04.2008 8

In Haiti, there have been renewed clashes over the price of rice. The government had announced cost cutting measures on the weekend after food riots killed at least five people but Haitians say so far nothing has changed. International agencies have appealed for emergency funds to help people there and elsewhere who are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for food. Record oil prices, rising demand in Asia and the use of crops for biofuels are all pushing up prices across the globe.

A bowl of rice

A bowl of rice

Hunger Pangs

Debate continues to rage over food shortages, rising costs and the link to biofuel production.

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