Im very interested to see how your blog continues because after reading this article I am unable to come to a conclusion on whether I think biofuels are a good idea or not? I understand all the negative effects associated with the destruction of the rainforest for palm oil plantations. Yet we do need some form of fuel for transport and even if production of palm oil stopped, deforestation would occur for many other reasons! At least this way, new trees are being planted in their place?
Megan, I agree that new trees are being planted, which obviously leads to carbon dioxide being sequestered and therefore palm oil plantations are better than building a huge city!!!
Despite this, in regard to the point you raised on transportation, I feel there is a need to reduce reliance on modes of transport such as cars and planes, that produce large carbon emissions. Although with further development biofuels do have the ability to become a suitable alternative, they are not yet there. They are portrayed all to often in the media, as saviours, the answer to climate change, by those who wish to continue 'business as usual'. For these people biofuels are simply a get out card, used without any further consideration for the wider impacts!
Im very interested to see how your blog continues because after reading this article I am unable to come to a conclusion on whether I think biofuels are a good idea or not? I understand all the negative effects associated with the destruction of the rainforest for palm oil plantations. Yet we do need some form of fuel for transport and even if production of palm oil stopped, deforestation would occur for many other reasons! At least this way, new trees are being planted in their place?
ReplyDeleteMegan, I agree that new trees are being planted, which obviously leads to carbon dioxide being sequestered and therefore palm oil plantations are better than building a huge city!!!
ReplyDeleteDespite this, in regard to the point you raised on transportation, I feel there is a need to reduce reliance on modes of transport such as cars and planes, that produce large carbon emissions. Although with further development biofuels do have the ability to become a suitable alternative, they are not yet there. They are portrayed all to often in the media, as saviours, the answer to climate change, by those who wish to continue 'business as usual'. For these people biofuels are simply a get out card, used without any further consideration for the wider impacts!