Speaking of biofuels: EU plan 'disatrous' for poor?

Just not a good idea?

Biofuels are one of those things that sounds great, but upon a closer look, suddenly seem quite tarnished. Certainly, there is no doubt that cellulosic ethanol and algae-derived biofuels, for example, hold excellent potential.

Grain-based biofuels, however, could be "disastrous".

"Europe’s plans to increase the use of biofuels as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector could prove disastrous for some of the world’s poorest people," according to Oxfam International.

Biofuels need not spell disaster for poor people in the South—they should instead offer new market and livelihood opportunities. But the agro-industrial model that is emerging to supply the EU target poses little in the way of opportunities and much in the way of threats. Without the right policies in place among companies, producer governments, and importing governments, the kinds of negative social impacts outlined above will only get worse as the scramble to supply intensifies. —Biofuelling Poverty