Biofuels production, trade and sustainable development: emerging issues

The threat of global warming, high oil prices and concerns about energy security have all contributed to a renewed global interest in biofuels as an alternative to oil for transport. This interest is reflected in the rapid expansion of biofuel markets. But what are the implications of this expansion for sustainable development? This paper seeks to provide a preliminary identification of the main sustainable development issues involved in the debate around production and trade of biofuels.