What are biofuels and are they green?

Biofuel production has become a popular alternative to fossil fuels, but has several climate impacts..

Countries around the world are producing more biofuels as a way to tackle climate change, but are they really greener than fossil fuels? Biofuel production increased nine-fold between 2000 and 2020, and in 2023 G20 nations launched the Global Biofuel Alliance to try to expand the use of sustainable biofuels.

But environmentalists warn the land needed to grow organic matter for biofuels is leading to climate destruction such as deforestation. What are biofuels and why are they popular? Biofuels – either bioethanol or biodiesel – are made from agricultural produce or organic waste and are used in traditional vehicles as a substitute for fossil fuels, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) says currently powers more than 90% of transport globally.

Source: ECEEE