Harvard releases “Biofuels and Sustainable Development” report: “simple ban on biofuel…is too blunt an instrument”

In Massachusetts, the Kennedy School of Research at Harvard University released a report, Biofuels and Sustainable Development, which said that “liquid biofuels can provide a much needed substitute to fossile fuels..”contribute to climate and other environmental goals, energy security, economic development and offer opportunities for private companies to profit. If not implemented with care, however, biofuels production can put upward pressure on food prices, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbate degradation of lands, forests, waters sources, and ecosystems.”

The report warned that a “simple ban on biofuel production, or the immediate revocation of existing mandates for biofuel use, is too blunt an instrument and will almost certainly do more harm than good.” The report summarizes a meeting of 25 academics, policy makers and oil company representatives.

The full report is here.

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