When a country makes an initiative to switch over to biofuel, it’s usually something environmentalists can get excited about. But sometimes, the new source of energy can be just as detrimental to our fragile ecosystem. Following along this unfortunate path is the European Commission‘s new plan to put palm oil into British vehicles.
Under the Renewable Energy Directive, millions of tons of palm oil is to be pumped into cars in Britain in order to reduce greenhouse gases from crude oil. Increasing the demand for palm oil, however, may cause larger problems, considering it can only be grown in tropical rainforests in Malaysia, Indonesia, West Africa and the Amazon in Brazil, where heavy deforestation is already prevalent.
While straying from fossil fuels and finding answers in plant-based options is a definite step in the right direction, many environmental groups are criticizing the European Commission for their carelessness. According to the Independent:
Friends of the Earth’s agri-fuels campaign coordinator Adrian Bebb said: “I know the Commission officials and they’re trying to get palm oil in.” Robert Palgrave of Biofuelswatch said: “If you expand the palm oil business for food, fuel or cosmetics, more forest will be destroyed.”
[Via: the Independent]
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