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Biofuel Impacts on World Food Supply: Use of Fossil Fuel, Land and Water Resources

Author

Listed:
  • David Pimentel

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Alison Marklein

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Megan A. Toth

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Marissa Karpoff

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Gillian S. Paul

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Robert McCormack

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Joanna Kyriazis

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Tim Krueger

    (5126 Comstock Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

Abstract

The rapidly growing world population and rising consumption of biofuels are increasing demand for both food and biofuels. This exaggerates both food and fuel shortages. Using food crops such as corn grain to produce ethanol raises major nutritional and ethical concerns. Nearly 60% of humans in the world are currently malnourished, so the need for grains and other basic foods is critical. Growing crops for fuel squanders land, water and energy resources vital for the production of food for human consumption. Using corn for ethanol increases the price of U.S. beef, chicken, pork, eggs, breads, cereals, and milk more than 10% to 30%.

Suggested Citation

  • David Pimentel & Alison Marklein & Megan A. Toth & Marissa Karpoff & Gillian S. Paul & Robert McCormack & Joanna Kyriazis & Tim Krueger, 2008. "Biofuel Impacts on World Food Supply: Use of Fossil Fuel, Land and Water Resources," Energies, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-38, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:1:y:2008:i:2:p:41-78:d:2549
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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