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Chapter 12: Problem 4

What are biofuels, and what are their impacts on food production?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Biofuels are fuels derived from biological materials, often crops like corn. While they act as a renewable energy source, their production can have a detrimental effect on food production due to competition for arable land and resources, potentially causing commodity prices to increase.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Biofuels

Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from biological materials such as plants and waste. They are used as a substitute for fossil fuels for various uses, especially in transportation.
02

Sources of Biofuels

The primary sources of biofuels include corn, sugarcane, soybean, and other crops that can potentially be used as food sources. The production of biofuels involves the cultivation of these crops, their harvesting and then technology-based conversion into biofuels.
03

Impact on food production

The production of biofuels can influence food production mainly due to the competition for arable land. As more land is allocated for biofuel crops, less becomes available for critical food crops. This competition can increase food commodity prices. Furthermore, the increased use of fertilizers, water and pesticides for biofuel crop cultivation could lead to environmental degradation, affecting overall agricultural productivity.

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