Biofuels create limited access to food provisions for world’s underprivileged
At first glance biofuels give the impression of a natural alternative to using petroleum and fossil fuels as a source of energy. The methodology can be simplicity broken down into in a few components. The procedure is utilizing corn, sugarcane, soybeans, wheat and other provisions to produce biofuels for energy; for instance, corn transpiring into a source for ethanol-blended fuel. This substitute encompasses an alternative that is economical and beneficial for the environment. However, a closer examination of the totality of the effects of biofuels leads one to question the alternative.
The production of biofuels has had an immediate negative influence on the world’s food reserve for particular provisions. The United Nations has reported that the demand for corn, sugarcane, wheat and other food classifications for biofuels are restricting access to these provisions for deprived individuals around the world. The U.N. is witnessing an increase in the numbers of people suffering from hungry and “many people being priced out of the food markets for the first time”.
In essence, what is being created is turmoil for millions of people around the world who depend on essential staples of food as part of their daily nourishment. Food crops are being limited in access due to escalating prices. One must give thought to the consequences of such actions and ponder the probable outcomes. Such a scenario can undoubtedly create an environment for people to become belligerent and engage in conflict and violence.
Conversely, it is understandable why many contemplate the positive effects of biofuels - especially for the environment. However, there are alternatives to biofuels that are yet to be further explored and developed which can be labeled as “environmentally friendly”. These alternatives comprise of natural sources of energy such as: solar power, tidal power, wind power and biomass energy.
Solar power, for instance, is a powerful force of energy which can be an unlimited source. It has the capability to provide sources of power to homes and offices around the globe. Tidal power can also be used to produce electricity by capturing tides and harnessing the variations of sea levels caused by the gravitational effects of the moon in conjunction with the earth’s rotation. In the past, wind power was utilized for power in the form of windmills. Current usage of wind is in the form of wind turbines which generate inexpensive electricity; additionally, wind power does not produce a dangerous byproduct of waste. Biomass energy divulges a complex science of energy by utilizing “renewable organic matter” to create electricity.
In addition to the environmental issues, many others accept as true that biofuels are a win-win solution as current farmers can use their lands to cultivate exclusive crops to sell to corporations, governments and to the world’s neediest. In addition, developing countries can garner their old land for the purposes of harvesting such crops as well. For instance, farmers in South Africa can be provided with subsidies to cultivate these specific crops and be compensated by corporations and governments. As a byproduct any additional yields can be distributed to the underprivileged that cannot have access to these food provisions.
Nevertheless, one must ponder the likelihood of an honorable and equal distribution of these food provisions. The dominant motivation for governments and private companies is financial compensation. What percent will actually be allocated to the poor when these organizations can distribute the food provisions based on monetary value? Corporations from around the world are eagerly propelling money into the development of biofuels and governments are developing policies on the subject matter.
In addition, even if an elevation of farming in developing countries can yield crops that are an eminent demand the process of such cultivation will take time. The challenge presented is that accelerated demand for these food provisions are emerging and the provisions are not being replenished expeditiously. It creates an unbalance between the needs of biofuels and the poor for these crops. This approach does not support sustainable development but rather situates the world’s poor in competition with corporations and governments for access to these particular food supplies.
The unsettling thought arises as to the world’s perception of this “green fuel” movement. Governments and individuals should be provoked to research and investigate the pros and cons of this alternative and its effect on food provisions for the underprivileged. Factors such as poverty, shifting climate conditions, government bureaucracy and diseases are already contributing to the increase of hunger around the world. The privileged do not have a right to contribute to these factors by creating an alternative source of energy utilizing food provisions for biofuels and increasing the cost of food. They are only satisfying the mounting demand for global energy and ignoring the plight of the underprivileged that are being limited in their access to an essential necessity for their livelihoods.
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