The environmental impact of biofuels

Michael and Leon are in the forest. They are bringing more wood to put in the fire. Wood is a material that comes from living organisms and produces energy when it’s burnt. It’s an example of a BIOFUEL. Leon!

Why are you throwing branches in the fire? Look how much smoke it makes! When the wood burns it releases energy in the form of heat but it also produces smoke, which is a mix of different gases. One of these gases is called CARBON DIOXIDE. Carbon dioxide is a product of various natural processes, such as breathing or the breaking down of dead organisms.

However, when we burn fuels, a greater amount of carbon dioxide is released into the air, which can be harmful for the environment. If there is too much carbon dioxide, it causes the temperature on Earth to rise. It is one of the so called GREENHOUSE GASES. Carbon dioxide goes into the air, but it also dissolves in the ocean and increases its acidity. This is dangerous for many organisms living in the ocean and also for us living on land.

Plants and algae absorb carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen, in a process called photosynthesis. When we use plants as fuels, they don’t release more carbon dioxide than they have absorbed during their lifetime. As long as we plant new plants in place of those we use as fuel, the carbon dioxide balance won’t be disturbed. Because of this, biofuels are better for the environment than coal or oil, for example, which only increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. We can grow plants continuously to make biofuels at about the same rate as we use them to produce energy.

Biofuels are a RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE. Biofuels are also relatively inexpensive to produce, and growing plants for biofuels is profitable for farmers. But there is a risk that farmers would prefer to grow and sell crops for fuel rather than for food. The price of food might rise and that will affect people, especially in poorer parts of the world. Farmers growing plants for biofuels rather than for food often treat them with strong chemicals, such as pesticides.

These chemicals protect crops from insects and diseases so they can grow better. But pesticides can be dangerous for the environment: the chemicals might pollute water and soil. They might also kill organisms living there. Farm equipment needs energy and fuel, which often come from natural gas, coal, or oil. These fuels have a negative impact on the environment.

Leon and Michael need fuel to keep them warm and to cook their food when they camp in the woods. People need fuel for a lot of things! Biofuels produce low carbon dioxide emissions and are a great alternative to traditional fuels, such as coal or natural gas. But we need to produce and use them in a responsible way, so that we maintain our health and the environment!