Alternative to Fossil Fuels

There is an alternative to fossil fuels, which is biofuel. This fuel is thought to be environmentally- friendly, as it is made from crops like palm, maize, sugar cane, and soya, the materials that do not have the negative impact on environment. Seventeen countries grow crops on a large scale, and the number of "crops growing" countries is increasing. Even though this new fuel is claimed to be carbon- neutral and environmentally- friendly, there are still numerous concerns about its effect on the environment. Supporters state that it is best to adapt to environmentally- friendly biofuel, while opponents, challenging biofuel's impact on the environment, argue that it is best to follow the current situation, until the better solution comes. Biofuel is a competitive alternative to fossil fuels, but there is not such a need for a country to adapt to this fuel, unless this country is running out of fossil fuels or does not have it at all.

Supporters of biofuel claim that, in theory, biofuel is carbon- neutral, in other words do not emit carbon dioxide. However, their opponents, in particular Wang (2007) argues that carbon dioxide emission of biofuel exists, and it is rather greater than the carbon dioxide emission of fossil fuels. Consequently, it should be stated that while such uncertainties exist, the final verdict about biofuel cannot be made. It is possible rises in prices of biofuel could benefit farmers in developing countries, as assumes Davis (2009), but according to Scott (2009) only large farmers would benefit from rises of prices and small farmers would not. Even though several countries use biofuel, not for all countries this idea seems attractive. In summary, biofuel is a great solution for the countries that do not have biofuel, and there are not persuading reason for countries that have fossil fuel to stop using it.