Rising food costs and biofuels
April 15th 2008 04:48
Food prices are rising quickly all throughout the world. In the US, this is starting to cause problems -- especially for those who are at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale:
Of course, this not just a US phenomenon. Food prices are higher everywhere. In poorer countries, the impact is even more immediate and has been leading to acts of violence:
Certainly, there are a number of factors driving up prices. At least one of those factors, however, is the diversion of corn and other food crops for use in the production of biofuels. The EU has one of the more aggressive biofuel programs and they are being pressured to back off their biofuel initiatives:
Based on what I have read, there was always a real danger of biofuel programs driving up food prices. However, I don't know if anyone anticipated how rapid and severe the impacts would be. When coupled with the current global economic malaise, the situation we have now is quickly becoming untenable. Hopefully, the world's scientists can get together and reach some consensus on how best to proceed. Something needs to be done, though. Finding alternative sources for fuel is important, but having to choose between food and fuel is not a reasonable proposition.
The U.S. is wrestling with the worst food inflation in 17 years, and analysts expect new data due on Wednesday to show it's getting worse. That's putting the squeeze on poor families...
For the U.S. poor, any increase in food costs sets up an either-or equation: Give something up to pay for food.
Of course, this not just a US phenomenon. Food prices are higher everywhere. In poorer countries, the impact is even more immediate and has been leading to acts of violence:
Four people were killed in Haiti when demonstrators protesting the high cost of living clashed with security forces, a local official said on Friday.
Certainly, there are a number of factors driving up prices. At least one of those factors, however, is the diversion of corn and other food crops for use in the production of biofuels. The EU has one of the more aggressive biofuel programs and they are being pressured to back off their biofuel initiatives:
The EU Commission on Monday rejected claims that producing biofuels is a "crime against humanity" that threatens food supplies, and vowed to stick to its goals as part of a climate change package.
Based on what I have read, there was always a real danger of biofuel programs driving up food prices. However, I don't know if anyone anticipated how rapid and severe the impacts would be. When coupled with the current global economic malaise, the situation we have now is quickly becoming untenable. Hopefully, the world's scientists can get together and reach some consensus on how best to proceed. Something needs to be done, though. Finding alternative sources for fuel is important, but having to choose between food and fuel is not a reasonable proposition.
| 54 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by S.L. Bradish
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate