Should we ignore livelihoods in order to produce biofuel?

Biofuels are described by some as 'absolutely catastrophic' because of their potential consequences — for example, raising the cost of food or diverting agricultural land to energy production — but are seen by others as 'the driving force for development in some of the world's poorest regions'

Rising oil prices, coupled with concerns over energy security and climate change, have stimulated interest in biofuels across the developing world.

But such crops need a lot of water — 2,400 litres for maize to yield one litre of ethanol in China for example. And growing biofuels in water-scarce areas will aggravate the already fierce competition between domestic users, industry, agriculture and the environment.

Producing biofuels from crops such as wheat, maize or sugar cane could also impact food supplies and prices. And switching from industrial crops, such as cotton, could affect livelihoods.

Should we ignore livelihoods in order to produce biofuel? What do you think?

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