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The use of biofuels as a means to drive the ubiquitous combustion engine has been around for over a century. Yet it is only in the past decade or more that its popularity has gained favour, particularly in developed nations, as a means of reducing the reliance on hydrocarbons and, hopefully, reducing burdens to the exchequer. Despite representing the oil state of Texas for six years, President George W. Bush has been a prime motivator in seeking alternative methods of fuel, with particular emphasis on biofuels. The reasoning being, if sufficient biofuel can be produced, or purchased at a cheaper price than petroleum, then it will have a significant effect on the US economy, while not having to rely on foreign supplies with all its political implications.
Crops like sugarcane and corn are used to produce biofuels as the alternative to fossil-based fuels and it is the prolific use of such crops that has helped drive up their cost, thereby dramatically affecting the lives and livelihoods of those living in poorer countries. It has been stated in an as yet unpublished World Bank report that the use of crops as biofuels instead of foodstuffs has increased the price of food by 140 per cent over six years, an increase that should never have happened if another way had been determined to solve the oil problem, instead of taking the food out of the mouths of the poor to give for the rich.
Americans particularly, but also Europeans, feel it is their right to cheap fuel for their vehicles, without recognising it is not an inexhaustible supply. So, rather than find ways to encourage more use of public transport or other means of transportation, they remain oblivious to the impact on prices and shortages of commodities in using food for fuel.
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