The use of Biodiesel Fuels in our cars could possibly be speeding up the destruction of the world’s rainforests, which in turn could result in greenhouse gas emissions being even higher than burning regular petroleum diesel. In the United Kingdom alone, in 2009 in excess of 1.3 million hectares of arable land was harvested in order to grow 2.7% of the transport fuel. To stay within guidelines, an increasing amount of biofuel has to be mixed to petroleum diesel. In 2010, fuel has to be on average at least 3.25% biofuel. This figure will have increased to 13% by 2020. It stands to reason then, that crops will also have to be increased drastically to keep up with that demand.

It is estimated the one-quarter of grain crops like maize grown in the United States ends up in cars as biodiesel fuel. This is causing growing concerns as it means there are fewer crops available to feed people. In 2009, the grain crops used to make biofuel could have been used for a year to feed in excess of 300 million people. United States farmers grew approximately 107 million tons of corn and other grain for biofuel use. This figure is almost double the amount grown in 2007. As a result, it is estimated that food prices have increased by 75% despite claims in the US that the rise was merely 2-3%. These figures would be reduced dramatically if Biodiesel Fuels were made from waste products or recycled food oils.

However, there are also many benefits to the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that by using biodiesel fuels in cars, Hydrocarbons will be reduced by in excess of 60%, carbon monoxide in excess of 40% and particulates in excess of 40%. It is reported that numerous toxic substances found in petroleum diesel exhaust is reduced when switching to biodiesel. There are fewer health issues and risks while handling and storing also. With the fuel being completely biodegradable and having roughly the toxicity of salt, if it is spilled there is no lasting damage to the environment.

Although there may be technological hurdles to overcome, there is the possibility that algae-based biofuels of the future could help to significantly reduce the effects of global warming. Compared to regular petroleum diesel fuel, a biodiesel fuel made from a neat mixture of soybeans has already been estimated to have the capacity to cut the global warming pollution by more than half. The benefits are higher still for canola based biofuel.

For drivers owning a diesel car, converting to high-blend biodiesel fuels could give them an opportunity to have an impact on global warming emissions, so long as they keep in mind that the magnitude of these emissions would depend on the biodiesel source and the quantity of the biodiesel in the mix. It is also worth remembering that even though global warming emissions could be reduced, nitrous oxide (smog-forming) emissions could increase.