ONE BIOSPHERE
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Biofuels Reduce Greenhouse Gases When fossil fuels are consumed, carbon sequestered from the global carbon cycle for millions of years is released into the atmosphere where it accumulates. Biofuel consumption releases considerably less CO2 depending on how it is produced. The photosynthetic production of new generations of biomass takes up the CO2 released from biofuel production and use. Life-cycle analysis reveals that CO2 emissions from cellulosic ethanol are 85% lower than those from gasoline. Sequestration of CO2 produced during ethanol fermentation may result in greater emission reductions. Perennial grasses and other bioenergy crops have several significant environmental benefits over traditional row crops. Perennial energy crops provide a richer environment and a biodiverse wildlife habitation. Their extensive root systems increase nutrient capture, improve soil quality, sequester carbon, and reduce erosion. Ethanol, when used as a transportation fuel, emits less sulfur, carbon monoxide, particulates, and greenhouse gases. Sustainable Society The creation of a sustainable society will require reduction of fossil fuel use and decreasing the amount of pollution that is generated. Biofuel is solid, liquid or gas fuel derived from biomass. The most common sources of biofuels are photosynthetic materials, i.e. various plants and plant-derived materials used in biofuel manufacturing. Biofuels offer the prospect of producing clean energy or carbon-neutral energy. Biofuel increases atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at a significantly low rate than fossil fuels. The shift to bioenergy certainly reduces our dependence on petroleum and enhances our energy security. There are two main methods of producing biofuels. They are:· 1. Bioethanol production. Sugars or starches in food crops e.g. sugar cane and maize, are fermented by microbes i.e. yeast, to produce ethanol which after blending with gasoline may be used as automobile fuel. 2. Biodiesel production. Processing of oils from plants (palm oil, soybean, jatropha) or algae to produce biodiesel. The prospect of making cellulosic ethanol from non-edible plant parts is the subject of a great deal of reseach to determine how to create the product efficiently and economically. Importance of Biofuel In 2007, scientists confirmed the link between GHG emissions and climate change. GHG emissions have increased 70% between 1970 and 2004. The role of GHG emissions in climate change combined with the finite source of fossil fuels drives the need for alternative, clean and renewable energy sources. Bioenergy together with solar, wind and hydroelectric energy constitute the most significant of these sources. Biofuels have certain inherent advantages compared with other sources including clean automobile fuel, reducing climate change and pollution abatement. Because of their desirable properties, biofuel research is escalating world-wide.
