Biofuels

• What is the definition of biofuel?

  A fuel made from recently living organisms
• Why is the distinction of 'recently living organisms' important when discussing biofuels?

  Because fossil fuels come from organisms that lived millions of years ago and are converted by a different process
• What are the primary sources of biofuels?

  Plants and algae
• How do plants and algae contribute to the production of biofuels?

  They can photosynthesize and capture the sun's energy
• What is another potential source of biofuels besides plants and algae?

  Animal waste
• Why are biofuels generally considered carbon neutral?

  Because the plants absorb carbon dioxide while growing
• What makes biofuels a renewable resource?

  They can be grown repeatedly
• What is one benefit of biofuels regarding transportation?

  They are easy to transport
• How can biofuels be used in conjunction with fossil fuels?

  They can be mixed with fossil fuels like petrol
• What is a significant environmental concern associated with growing biofuels?

  It often requires converting natural land, which can damage the environment
• What is a consequence of cutting down forests for biofuel production?

  It releases tons of CO2 into the atmosphere
• What energy requirements are associated with biofuels?

  Harvesting, processing, and transporting biofuels all require energy
• What is the overall impact of biofuels on CO2 emissions?

  It is hard to determine how good biofuels really are regarding CO2 emissions
• How should biofuels be used according to the video?

  They should be used where it makes sense and combined with other energy sources where it doesn't
• What are the pros and cons of biofuels?

  Pros:

  • Made from recently living organisms
  • Generally considered carbon neutral
  • Renewable resource
  • Easy to transport
  • Can be mixed with fossil fuels

  
  

  Cons:

  • Requires land that may damage the environment
  • CO2 emissions from land conversion
  • Energy required for harvesting, processing, and transport
  • Overall impact on CO2 emissions is uncertain