SciDev.Net

Biotechnology is only one of a set of approaches needed to solve the world's problems, says an editorial in Nature Biotechnology.

The environmental and social costs of producing biofuels on land can be avoided by farming seaweed, says Ricardo Radulovich.

Dryland farmers are growing novel crops for biofuel, but domestication and research into yields and pests is still needed, says William Dar.

Strong international policies are needed to stop the biofuel revolution threatening food security for the poor, says Siwa Msangi.

Biofuel production offers a lifeline to sugar-producing countries hit by the European Union's 2006 sugar reforms, argues Maureen Wilson.

Biofuels offer huge potential, but pose challenges best countered with strong and coherent development policies, says S. Arungu-Olende.

Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stands up for biofuels' role in sustainable development.

China is increasing its use of bioenergy. But the government is overlooking smaller projects that could benefit poor rural communities, says Lin Gan.

Growing biofuels could put pressure on scarce water supplies in poorer countries, argues Charlotte de Fraiture.

The world must take measures to combat climate change now if it is to achieve global sustainability, say Rosina M. Bierbaum and Peter H. Raven.

Developing countries should copy Brazil's programme for producing sugarcane ethanol as a sustainable energy source, says José Goldemberg.

John P. Holdren says that North or South, achieving a sustainable standard of living means shifting to efficient alternatives.

Last month, SciDev.Net launched a discussion group to ensure the views of African scientists, policymakers, communicators, funders and investors are heard in the run-up to the African Union summit.

Jeffrey McNeely says proponents of biofuels need to take greater account of their environmental impacts and use science to make them more efficient.

Guilio Volpi argues that Brazil's policy of promoting biofuels risks increasing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Marcelo Rasseto says Argentina has the technical know-how needed to produce biofuel, but that political commitment is still lacking.

Carbon emissions trading would not be an effective way of halting deforestation of the Amazon rainforest; using Brazil’s existing fiscal measures for conservation may hold more promise says Emily Boyd.