With more consumers and economies gaining awareness about the detrimental consequences of fossil fuel dependency, many countries have contributed their manpower and resources to create renewable sources of energy.
One such source of renewable energy that continues to grow in demand and popularity is biofuel. Although the decision to shift from the excessive use of fossilized fuel to renewable biofuel can do wonders for the global energy crises; however, one negative effect of this strategy has contributed to the global food shortage.
According to Darren Dohme, as long as economies increase their production of biofuel, the food shortage crisis cannot be eradicated.
To learn in greater detail about how the growing demand for biofuel can lead to food shortages, keep reading below.
Top Three Ways the Growing Demand for Biofuels is Leading to the Global Food Shortage Crisis as Per Darren Dohme
1. Staple Crops and Grains Are Being Used to Produce Biofuel and Not Food
Some of the most common crops used for biofuel production include corn, sugarcane, wheat, and soybeans. Not only are these crops a staple food source in most countries, but their derivatives are also used as part of most of the food ingredients the global consumers depend on.
Hence, when a big percentage of these crops are allocated for biofuel production, countries can experience two different kinds of results.
For instance, Darren Dohme suggests that as more corn gets used up for biofuel production, the food shortage leads to a spike in the global demand for corn. As a result, the economic imbalance between supply and demand results in an increase in corn prices.
Since the USA is one of the major producers of corn, the American economy benefits from the international increase in its demand and price.
However, since millions of consumers are dependent on corn for their basic nutrition, these people suffer the consequences of food shortages, reduced affordability, and malnourishment.
2. Reduced Production Leads to People Stocking Up on Food Sources
When economies are encouraged to counter their energy crises by producing biofuel, they create a countrywide food shortage that affects their average consumers’ physical and mental health.
As a result, the reduced supply of grains and staple food sources provokes people of power and influence to stock up. This further worsens the food shortage crisis, as per Darren Dohme, and completely deprives other consumers of being able to fulfill their primary needs.
3. Farmers Profit from Allocating Part of their Land for Biofuel Production
As governments encourage their farmers to allocate their lands for biofuel production, the landowners and farmers are able to increase their profit in many ways.
First of all, they get the opportunity to sell their locally produced biofuel to the government, private organizations, and factory owners.
Secondly, as more land gets allocated to biofuel production, lesser crops are left behind to serve as a source of food. This creates a countrywide food shortage, which results in an increase in the price of crops and grains.
Consequently, the farmer is able to charge a higher price for their products and can thus enhance their profits.
Eventually, more farmers get motivated to produce biofuel in an attempt to enjoy higher profits. As a result, the nationwide food shortage crisis worsens, and poverty increases.
Final Thoughts by Darren Dohme
Although the worldwide production of biofuels can help reduce the damaging dependency on fossil fuel energy sources; however, it is impossible to ignore the effects this can have on the global food supply.
As more staple grains and cultivable land is allocated to biofuel production, millions of consumers worldwide are bound to suffer the consequences of reduced food supply.
Hence, according to Darren Dohme, the world economies need to work together to find a balance so that biofuel production does not directly affect human survival and well-being.