In a shocking finding it has been revealed that a renewable energy source designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is contributing more to global warming than fossil fuels. Alternative fuels derived from rapeseed currently used in Europe could produce up to 70 percent more planet-warming greenhouse gases than conventional diesel. This is as per a report by Nobel prize winning chemist Paul J. Crutzen.

Using biofuels was thought to be a way of fighting global warming. However, measurements of emissions from the burning of biofuels derived from rapeseed and maize have been found to produce more greenhouse gas emissions than they save. These biodiesels were calculated to produce up to 70 per cent and 50 per cent more greenhouse gases respectively than fossil fuels.

Maize for ethanol is the prime crop for biofuel in the US where production for the industry has recently overtaken the use of the plant as a food. In Europe the main crop is rapeseed, which accounts for 80 per cent of biofuel production.

Not everyone is agreeing to this study yet.Biofuels have a lot of benefits.The major advantages of bio-diesel fuels is the tremendous reduction in pariculate matter and other pollutants produced compared to petroleum-based fuels. Secondly, since such fuels are derived from agricultural crops, they are inherently renewable; our own farmers typically produce them domestically, reducing dependence on unstable foreign sources of oil. However, the study did not denounce all biofuels, suggesting that scientists and farmers should focus on crops needing little fertilizer, and harvesting methods that were not energy intensive.

Via:Reuters

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