In February, Virgin Atlantic proved to 200 journalists and millions of people that biofuel could be used in aviation by having a 747 take off with one of it's engines having a composition of 25% mixture of biofuel and standard kerosene jet fuel. The biofuel was a combination of coconut and babassu (Brazilian tree) oil. However, not all individuals were thrilled with this first. Some are concerned that growing crops for alternative fuels cuts into the availability of land for growing food.  

“There is a finite amount of land for food" stated Kate Horner, a climate and energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth, “and using it for the expanded production of fuel is driving deforestation, which accounts for one-fourth to one-third of our global emissions.”

Recently, this argument has gained ground and as poorer countries struggle with rising food costs and potential shortages, the global finance ministers met in Washington and requested that the West rethink their policies around alternative fuel due to potential food shortages. Furthermore, the European Union was asked by the European environmental advisory panel to cancel their plans of having 10% of transportation fuel made up of biofuels by 2020.  

John Plaza, president and chief executive of Imperium Renewables however has stated that the biofuel industry is being used as a scapegoat to the food crisis. “There are many factors, like drought, that are causing the problem,” he said. “And for those of us looking for funding to develop future biofuels that do not rely on feed stocks, it makes it very hard given all the negative press.” 

It is unclear at this time how governments will proceed with their plans and policies around biofuels. However, what is clear is that air travel is increasing and the need for alternatives to standard jet fuel is imminent.  

Read the full story at The New York Times

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