Biofuels or agrofuels are crops that are produced for energy production. Globally, biofuels demand and production is rising rapidly. Biofuels can provide a sustainable alternative for fossil fuels, but often also lead to loss of natural areas, massive greenhouse gas emissions, or compete with food production.

Biofuels can be a sustainable alternative for fossil fuels. They can also be a threat to sustainability. The demand for enormous areas of land and water is a new pressure on remaining natural areas. Research by Wetlands International showed that biofuels are responsible for huge carbon emissions due to peatland conversion and degradation. Furthermore, it showed that biofuel production leads to the loss of many wetlands in Africa, Asia and South America. 

We see biofuels as an opportunity for sustainability, but only if production does not lead to higher food prices or food shortages, environmental degradation or loss of natural areas. Biofuels made of waste, produced on idle lands, or produced through an increase in production qualify for this.

Film: Impact of growing demands for biodiesel on tropical peatswamp forests