10/06/2010 (Planet Save) - Palm plantations that produce the oil used in biofuel, like this one in Malaysia, aren’t as “green” as some may think. A Natural fuel source doesn’t always mean positive environmental effects.

A debate currently happening in the European Union raises a question that has many people asking if biofuels are always environmentally beneficial. Biofuels may be naturally derived with decreased carbon emissions output into the global atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean that can’t take an environmental toll.

This isn’t a new debate. In fact, it’s one that’s been analysed for years internationally since more effort has been put into the development and exploration of these supposedly sustainable energy and fuel choices. Now, the debate is hot again as the EU drafts their own rules and regulations for use of biofuels that will help them meet their carbon reduction goals over the upcoming years.

Palm oil is one commodity that is being used for biofuel. Other crops or forests may be cut down in order to create palm plantations and that would be an environmental and economic burden. Clear-cutting has obvious effects regardless of what was present prior to palm planting, and from an economic standpoint, it`s expected that the food crop industry would be harmed.

The EU has the opportunity to import palm oil from countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, but sourcing palm oil just isn`t likely to cut it because this particular biofuel isn`t a green option.

Biofuel is a term being thrown around that indicates it`s a positive thing. That isn`t always the case. Like “organic” which can be deceiving, you’ve got to look below the surface before making assumptions about things labelled “green”.