Biofuels: The changing nature of agricultural demend

Rapid income growth in developing economies typically results in an increase in energy consumption by the economy as a whole. Rapidly expanding energy needs throughout much of the world have precipitated a global search for alternative fuels, a search which is profoundly affecting food markets in often under-appreciated ways, and which is rapidly changing the climate on which food production depends.

Biofuels are a hot topic in both the academic literature and the popular press. Much of the current debate over biofuels, however, is devoted to narrow issues of energy conversion to the exclusion of understanding the broader implications surrounding their rapid development. This talk embraces these larger questions, examining the role of biofuels development on global land use change and climate, on food markets, and on global food security. What is the role of the private sector? What are the roles of subsidies and mandates?

Bechtel Conference Room