Abstract
The paper states that the US is the largest producer of corn in the world, with the massive overproduction currently directed to producing ethanol. This paper examines the issues relating to corn ethanol production and comparisons are made between corn ethanol and other oil based fuels, as well as a comparison between corn ethanol and other forms of biofuel which have recently been developed.

Outline:
Introduction
Corn Ethanol and Oil Fuels
Importance of Corn Biofuel
Production of Corn Biofuel
Energy Input to Production
Ethanol Practical and Competitive Uses
Other Biofuels
Biologically Based Ethanol
Biodiesel
The Future of Biofuels
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Early reports showed that there was a requirement for more energy in the process of producing ethanol than the energy source would release and there were several other studies in the twenty years which followed which confirmed these findings. The majority of this energy is assumed to come from fossil fuels (Pimentel and Patzek), which implies that corn ethanol is actually no better than simply using fossil fuels when production is taken into account. It has also been shown that the burning of corn ethanol in automobiles also contributes significantly to air pollution. "

Tags:biofuel, maize, energy

Abstract
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).
"

Tags:bioenergy, bioethanol, biodiesel, Philippines, Brazil, UN, energy, agriculture

Abstract
The paper looks at the advantages associated with biofuels that include the fact that they are renewable resources, there is a domestic supply and they have lower emissions. However, the paper also looks at the disadvantages associated with their use that include production costs and the impact of their cultivation on the environment. The paper believes that biofuels and the energy crisis will continue to be an issue for years to come.

Outline:
Introduction
Biofuel
Advantages of Biofuels
Disadvantages of Biofuels
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The primary reason that having access to a renewable source of fuel is important is cost. As Americans and others across the world discovered over the summer and throughout most of the fall, the price of crude oil can fluctuate greatly over a short period of time. Just weeks ago many people in the United States were paying more than $4 a gallon for gas but in recent weeks prices have dropped dramatically and many Americans are paying less than $1.70 per gallon. These fluctuations take place because of simple supply and demand economics. That is, because crude oil is a nonrenewable resource the supply is limited. So then in the arena of the global market when demand is high for gasoline, the price of crude oil can increase dramatically in a short period of time. However when demand is lowered the price of crude oil can also decrease dramatically."

Tags:emissions, resources, ethanol, biodiesel, fossil, fuels, crude, oil

Abstract
This paper stresses that the world's dependency upon petroleum and other fossil fuels comprises an energy scenario that cannot be sustained; therefore, the development and endorsement of biofuels, and in particular of cellulose-based ethanol, are being heralded as an eventual replacement for gasoline. However, from the literature review, the author continues the pattern of resource depletion and the resultant imbalance of demand over supply in the oil market would be demonstrated in even more directly problematic consequences in a dominant global biofuel industry. Therefore, the paper concludes that an alternative fuel source other than biofuels must be pursued as a replacement for the current global dependency on petroleum.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion
Recommendations and Conclusion

From the Paper
"These detractions are not devised in any way to suggest that biofuel is not a viable means of alternative energy dependency patterns. Quite to the contrary, this appears as one of the most realistic transitional steps toward the use of a cleaner burning fuel in powering transportation, industrial and recreational demands. However, there emerges an often unspoken threat in the transition suggested by supporters of biofuel, which closely associates the political and economic trespasses of petroleum production with those of corn ethanol."

Tags:degradation yield-inefficiency, fuel crops, conversion process, food prices

Abstract
This paper looks at biofuel which is gas or liquid fuel made from plant material. In particular, it looks at how biofuels are a new way to tackle the problem of renewable energy. The paper explores ways of generating biofuels, their applications in the real world and looks at new ways in which biofuels are being utilised by the world to combat and try to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

From the Paper
"The process of biomass gasification is distinctly different form that of biogas production. Gasification is the process by which solid biomass materials are broken down using heat to produce a combustible gas, commonly known as producer gas. Common feedstocks for combustion include wood and charcoal. A biomass gasification plant consists of a reactor, into which the solid biomass fuel is fed (ITDG, 2004). The supply of air to the fuel is carefully controlled; this allows only partial combustion of the fuel to take place. During the process gases are released, these gasses are then collected and can then be used as a fuel gas (Quaak, Knoef, Stassen, 1999). Several combustible gases are given off - hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane - as well as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. There are two types of reactor for this process; the fluidised bed reactor, which is used with large-scale gasification system, and the fixed bed reactor, which is used for small-scale producer gas systems (Stassen, 1995). "

Tags:electricity, energy, ethanol, gas, glucose, metals, microbes, molecules, oil, plants, platinum

Abstract
The paper discusses the detrimental effects of the widespread growth of biofuel crops, including deforestation and the runoff of pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers. It also discusses the contribution of the use of biofuels to the problem of greenhouse gases. In a related discussion, the paper looks at the idea that biofuels may be contributing more powerfully to global warming that had been previously thought to be the case.

From the Paper
"According to New Scientist, corn ethanol produces nearly as twice much pollution than gasoline. In addition, Seungdo Kim and Bruce E. Dale from the Michigan State University department of engineering say, "Biodiesel uses increased emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon which is one of the substances to affect greenhouse effect." Also, several new studies show that the bio-fuel boom is doing exactly the opposite of what its proponents intended: it is dramatically accelerating global warming, imperiling the planet in the name of saving it. Corn ethanol, always environmentally suspect, turns out to be environmentally disastrous (Grunwald). It is a fact that the burning of biomass contributes to greenhouse effects. Thus, bio-fuels have been, in many cases, scientifically debunked as the saviors of the planet."

Tags:eco-system, gasoline alternatives, global change, pollution

Abstract
The paper discusses how the concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its surface; all people must eat in order to survive, if people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced, inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. The paper reveals, however, that the fact is that such a situation leads to global hunger and other economic difficulties. The paper explains how biofuels may be the answer to this problem.

From the Paper
"The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but..."

Tags:biofuels, wto, hunger

Abstract
This paper discusses the biofuel developments in Brazil and the many issues surrounding it. It also serves as an introduction to biofuel efficacy and creates a sense of the current epicenter of biofuel use and production. The paper discusses the history of biofuel use in Brazil, the effects it has had on culture and economy, the pros and cons of biofuel, the import and export market effects, cost differentiation, sugar versus corn ethanol, auto technology in Brazil, and provides a discussion of US and other international responses to Brazil's programs.

Outline:
Executive Summary
History of Biofuel in Brazil
How Brazil Import Export Market is Effected
History and Policy of bio-diesel in Brazil
Affects on Culture and Economy in Brazil
Change of Dependence from Fossil Fuel to Biofuel Degree of Success
Environmental Effects
Pros of Biofuel
Cons of Biofuels
Cost of Oil vs. Ethanol
Sugar Ethanol vs. Corn Ethanol
US Response

From the Paper
"The cost of oil versus ethanol is debated, as the whole picture is required for an understanding of the cost issue. With fossil fuel derived oil the earth has done the work of people with regard to creating a close to finished product. Though it is also important to note that depending on the feedstock used to create the fuel the cost can vary. Sugar ethanol is subsidized in Brazil, taxed at a lower rate and sold for half the price of traditional fuel, yet this does not completely reflect the cost in total of either. Cost must also be discussed with regards to vehicle changes, Brazil converted the car to met the fuel while most nations are doing the reverse, trying to build a car to run on a particular fuel, a more costly process. "

Tags:sugar, industry, crisis, economic, recession, ethanol, mix

Abstract
This paper examines the problems that arise with the inexpensive foods that flood the market. The paper first explains how the global food trade can have a negative effect on the agriculture in developing countries. The paper then discusses the possibility of using crops for biofuels and examines the benefits and drawbacks of this solution. The paper concludes by stating that just continuing with the situation as usual is not an option.

From the Paper
"The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but how reliable are these statements?"

Tags:poverty, hunger, imports, corn, soybean, farmers, aid

Abstract
The paper discusses the causes of climate change that include the consumption of fossil fuels and the livestock industry. The paper then turns to the solutions that involve using clean burning biofuels, exploring nuclear energy, and reducing our dependence on livestock. The paper contends that we must reverse our utilitarian way of thinking and approach the problem with the sole interest of saving the environment itself. The paper also emphasizes that many changes in our everyday lives are necessary to make an impact on the environment.

From the Paper
"One of today's most important and intense debates is whether climate change is occurring and if humans are the cause of the problem. Changes in the atmosphere, the oceans, glaciers and ice caps now show unmistakably that the world is warming due to human activities, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated in their 2007 report. Anthropogenic factors are acts by humans that change the environment and alter the climate. Various theories of human caused climate change have been debated and explored for many years. The issue of whether climate change is occurring or not isn't a valid question anymore, the fact of the matter is that it is occurring, and humans are causing it- backed up by scientific research including proof of human interference with greenhouse gas emissions, glacial geology and evidence of changing habitats due to rising temperatures."

Tags:fossil, fuels, biofuels, livestock, environment, greenhouse, gas, emissions, carbon, dioxide, methane, ozone