Food versus Fuel An Informed Introduction to Biofuels

by Rosillo-Calle, Frank; Johnson, Francis X.

• ISBN13: 9781848133839
• ISBN10: 1848133839
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-12-15
• Publisher: UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS

Summary

Food versus Fuelpresents a high-level introduction to the science and economics behind a well-worn debate, that will debunk myths and provide quality facts and figures for academics and practitioners in development studies, environment studies, and agricultural studies. Compiled by an internationally renowned scientist and authority, and to include perspectives from "pro" and "anti" biofuels experts and activists, from the North and South, the aim of this book is to bring a balanced approach to current debate on the major issues affecting the development of biofuels in a concise and clear manner so that to provide and informed, nuanced but accessible introduction, grounded in science and economics rather than conjecture and controversy.

Author Biography

Dr. Frank Rosillo-Calle is a Research Fellow in Biomass Energy ([e-mail]; www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/f.rosillo-calle). He obtained his doctorate at the University of Aston (UK), and Campinas (Brazil), where he investigated Brazil's ethanol fuel program. He has more than 25 years experience in bioenergy research, and has been involved in many international research projects. Research areas include alternative transport fuels, biomass production and use, international bioenergy trade, environmental impacts, policy analysis, networking, etc. He has taught at various universities at MSc and PhD level, and has more than 70 publications on various aspects of bioenergy.

Francis X. Johnson is Senior Research Fellow in Climate and Energy at Stockholm Environment Institute in Stockholm, Sweden and leads the Bioresources and Energy Policy group. Previously he was a Senior Research Associate in Energy Analysis at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He holds Masters Degrees in Operations Research and in Public Policy, with a specialisation in Energy and Environmental Policy Analysis. He has been an expert advisor and/or evaluator for several international organisations, including the European Commission, UNIDO, EUROSTAT, FAO and the European Parliament. During 2002-2006, he was Scientific Coordinator of the Cane Resources Network for Southern Africa (CARENSA), an EC-funded North-South-South thematic research network with thirteen partners, focusing on bioenergy from sugarcane.

Table of Contents

THE FOOD VERSUS FUEL DEBATE: AN INFORMED INTRODUCTION
Editors: Frank Rosillo-Calle and Francis X Johnson

Chapter 1: Food versus fuel- Setting the scene
Chapter 2: The anti-biofuels lobby arguments. (Food versus Fuel- Starvation and the Environment)
Chapter 3: The pro-biofuels lobby arguments
Chapter 4: Agriculture and land use issues
Chapter 5: Biofuels and socio-economic development- emphasis on rural development
Chapter 6: Biofuels and climate change
Chapter 7: Future trends
Chapter 8: Conclusion