Audio By Carbonatix
The replacement of traditional fuels with biofuels has dragged more than 30 million people worldwide into poverty, an aid agency report says.
Oxfam says so-called green policies in developed countries are contributing to the world's soaring food prices, which hit the poor hardest.
The group also says biofuels will do nothing to combat climate change.
Its report urges the EU to scrap a target of making 10% of all transport run on renewable resources by 2020.
Oxfam estimates the EU's target could multiply carbon emissions 70-fold by 2020 by changing the use of land.
The report's author, Oxfam's biofuel policy adviser Rob Bailey, criticised rich countries for using subsidies and tax breaks to encourage the use of food crops for alternative sources of energy like ethanol.
"If the fuel value for a crop exceeds its food value, then it will be used for fuel instead," he said.
"Rich countries... are making climate change worse, not better, they are stealing crops and land away from food production, and they are destroying millions of livelihoods in the process."
Opportunity - or crime?
Biofuels are a divisive issue with strong arguments on both sides.
Leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have suggested the biofuel boom provides developing nations with a great opportunity.
He says it creates a profitable export for energy crop producers in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean that could enable them to claw their way out of poverty.
But several aid agencies and analysts have warned of the possible downside of biofuel crop cultivation.
One UN adviser went as far as describing biofuels as a "crime against humanity".
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
“Do Better” — Azamati criticizes Sports Ministry after historic relay feat
19 minutes -
Abdul Rasheed Saminu slams Ghana Sports Ministry over travel arrangements after World Relays success
39 minutes -
It will be a beautiful story if Wendy Shay wins TGMA Artiste of the Year – Reggie Rockstone
39 minutes -
NAIMOS bust galamsey syndicate at Ntabanu and Nyameadom, 7 arrested
44 minutes -
NAIMOS, Blue Water Guards arrest 8, seize excavators in night raid at Mpatasie and Odaho
44 minutes -
How Stephen Appiah’s words kept Kyereh going through three-year injury struggle
49 minutes -
Damang Gold Mine: A product of continuity in Government for national development
1 hour -
‘We know how to do it now’ – Azamati hails Ghana’s 4th straight World Championships qualification
1 hour -
Alex Ferguson taken to hospital as precaution before Man Utd v Liverpool
1 hour -
Joseph Paul Amoah hails Ghana relay team after historic World Championships qualification
1 hour -
Promasidor Ghana mourns sales lead killed in Koforidua-Tafo highway crash
1 hour -
Promasidor Ghana marketing manager killed in Koforidua highway crash
2 hours -
Ghana moves up global press freedom rankings as GJA marks World Press Freedom Day
2 hours -
Ghana’s 4x100m relay team makes history with fourth straight World Championships qualification
2 hours -
Method in Madness – Blaqq Qouphy
3 hours