CrOP30: Why burning food for land-hungry biofuels is fuelling the climate crisis

Why are biofuels harmful?

The use of crops and croplands for biofuel feedstocks has encouraged the expansion of farming into previously unfarmed areas leading to land clearance, habitat loss, and significant greenhouse gas emissions from lost vegetation and soil disruption.

Taking land out of food production can also contribute to increased food prices, potentially worsening poverty levels in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Governments worldwide are enacting policies to support the production and consumption of biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Various policy instruments are being used to promote biofuel supply ranging from blending mandates to subsidies. This has caused biofuel use to rise dramatically over the last two decades.

Biofuels production is set to grow significantly in the coming years as a group of countries led by India, Brazil and the US aims to massively increase production as part of the Global Biofuels Alliance. 

Furthermore, COP30 taking place in Belem will see biofuels championed as a key solution to transport’s energy transition, with the Brazilian presidency aiming to promote a global update on demand as part of the conference’s action agenda.

Who are the top biofuel producers now and in 2030?

Global biofuel production is highly concentrated, with the US, Brazil, and Europe often seen as the “biofuels superpowers” — making up over 75% of output, mostly for road transport. By 2030, demand is projected to rise 40%, with Canada, India, and Brazil driving the biggest increases in first-generation biofuels.