Food vs. fuel: Diversion of crops could cause more hunger
Biofuels are being promoted as energy sources that could reduce both dependence on imported oil and fossil fuel emissions. Currently, a large percentage of biofuels are produced from food crops, a situation that some experts say is leading to food insecurity around the world. Not only are more crops being used to make fuel, but there is also increasing demand for food for human and animal consumption from growing consumer markets. Researchers are working to calculate the long-term impact of increased biofuel production on food prices and availability ; many conclude that as food and fuel prices become more intertwined, the hungry will be hit the hardest.