The Shift to Biofuels

Paper Summary:

This paper addresses the question whether or not governments should mandate the shift to biofuels. To address this issue, the paper discusses various related issues such as the role of governments in the expanded use of biofuels. The author argues in favor of governments mandating the shift to biofuels because of their authority, influence, clout and moral responsibility towards controlling and regulating the challenging shift to biofuels.

Outline:
Introduction
Biofuel Defined
The Role of Governments in the Expanded Use of Biofuels
Ecological & Economic "Ripple Effects"
Further Consequences to Mass Shift to Biofuels
Arguments For/or Against Mandating the Shift to Biofuels
Summary

From the Paper:

"The impact of biofuel is extensive. With biofuel costing less than fuel derived from traditional sources (Matthews, 2007), their production and use allow countries to save in their petroleum imports and strengthen their energy security by becoming less dependent on foreign oil. Biofuel is also environment friendly as these fuels do not release toxic gas that lead to global warming and greenhouse effect. The production of biofuel also creates income and labor opportunities especially in developing countries (Matthews, 2007; Abano, 2007). This could subsequently lead to poverty alleviation and food security as more people will have jobs and money to buy food (Northoff, 2004). As the production of biofuels can be tailored to the environment of different countries, its production can be cost effective given the local sourcing of raw materials. Similarly, this diversifies agricultural and forestry production for use in a lucrative industry such as alternative fuel production (Northoff, 2004).
"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sustainable Bioenergy: A Framework for Decision Makers. UN Energy. April 2007. Available from: esa.un.org/unnergy/pdf/ susdev.Biofuels.FAO.pdf. [Accessed by May 10, 2007]
• Republic Act No. 9367 - An Act To Direct The Use Of Biofuels, Establishing For This Purpose The Biofuel Program, Appropriating Funds Therefor, And For Other Purposes (Philippine Biofuel Act of 2006)
• Primer on Alternative Fuels. Philippine Department of Energy. May 2006.
• Matthews, Christopher (2006). FAO sees major shift to bioenergy: Pressure building for switch to biofuels. UN Food and Agriculture Organization, www.fao.org. Available at: http://www.fao.org/newsroom /en/news/2006/1000282/index.html. [Accessed by: May 10, 2007]
• Anano, Imelda V. (2007). The Philippines Opts for Biodiesel. SciDev.net. Available from: http://www.scidev.net/content/news /eng/the-philippines-opts-for-biodiesel. cfm?&utm_source=feed-3-1&utm_medium =rss. [Accessed by May 11, 2007]

More papers on The Shift to Biofuels:

• Analytical Essay # 141278 : "The Journey to the West"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 117989 : "Global Hunger"
• Term Paper # 104730 : "Ethanol vs. Petroleum"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: