Water Implications of Biofuel Crops: Understanding Tradeoffs and Identifying Options (IWMI Water Policy Brief - 30)

This policy brief explains that while biofuels are being touted as a solution to rising fuel prices, growing energy demands and the need to curb emissions from greenhouse gases, they can also come with their own problems. The brief examines how a poorly planned biofuel industry can escalate competition for water, especially in areas where it is already scarce. It concludes by highlighting options available to reduce the impact of biofuel production on other uses of water.