Water Implications of Biofuel Crops: Understanding Tradeoffs and Identifying Options

Abstract

"Biofuels are being touted as a solution to rising fuel prices, growing energy demands, and the needs to curb emissions of greenhouse gases. Governments have good reasons for promoting biofuels. Yet, a headlong rush into growing biofuel crops are likely to escalate competition for water, especially in areas where it is already scarce.

"New research shows what options policymakers have for making tradeoffs between biofuels and other uses of water. And, biofuel crops that give 'more crop per drop' lessen the negative impacts and boost the positive impacts."