Biofuel or bunk?

Not so fast with biofuels. That's the warning from two British researchers. They say a conversion from fossil fuels to currently available biofuels will make carbon emissions go UP. If you've been watching the global warming debate, UP is the wrong direction unless you want lots of boiling lakes and melting asphalt. Of course, there are those who look forward to a little Yukon River Pinot Noir or some fresh grapefruit from Spitzbergen.

The scientists looked at all steps in the process of producing biofuels, from planting to distribution. Not only would the biofuel industry increase carbon emissions versus current fossil fuels, they conclude. It could lead to economic pressure to convert up to 40% of European farm land to producing energy instead of food. This finding questions the wisdom of current European Union policy calling for more biofuels in coming years. And it also contradicts some of the recent plans in energy bills before the American Congress.