Biofuels economic considerations

Although the production of biofuels is of considerable economic relevance, it is also characterized by heated political, ecological, and social debates. Recombinant technologies and second-generation fuels are expected to contribute to a reduction in the dependence on fossil resources and to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions ([73], section 12.2). A calculation of emissions yielded 94 for gasoline, 77 for currently available bioethanol, and 11 for cellulosic-based ethanol... 

As commonly known, fossil fuels are associated with many sustainability problems. However, biofuels are not entirely exempt from such problems. Hence, when assessing biofuels from an economic and environmental angle, there are a lot of issues that should be taken in due consideration. Moreover, there are overarching social concerns not to be disregarded since most croplands are located in developing countries where local communities are at a serious risk of exploitation. 

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