Brazil has been experiencing environmental problems since 1980s (Singh &Harvey 1). These environmental challenges are largely due to contrasting environmental policies. Nevertheless, Brazil has emerged as the largest producer of ethanol and biodiesel in the world. Hence, the government tried to safeguard its rainforests and maximize bio-fuel production at the same time (Singh &Harvey 13). This resulted into national and international concern primarily due to deforestation. These two “green issues” are in conflict that is attracting attention from all spheres. It is ironical that bio-fuels are meant to reduce hazards resulting from fossil fuels yet they unbalance the equation on one side (Singh &Harvey 5).
Certainly, alternative source of fuel from plants claims more land to ensure sustainable supply of energy. In this case, Brazil’s old forests, rangeland and wetlands are at risk of being reclaimed to produce bio-fuel (Corlett & Richard 54). This has posed risk to environment by reducing food supply where large portions of land are used to grow biodiesel plants. Additionally, excess production of bio-fuels increases green-house gases into the atmosphere causing global warming. However, proper environmental standards might help in reducing the risks. Moreover, European Union attempted to limit Brazil’s exports of bio-fuel until it meets required environmental standards (Singh &Harvey 33).
Bio-fuel was adopted as an alternative source of energy in order to cut down use of fossil fuel that has resulted in air pollution. Therefore, Brazil preferred use of ethanol from sugar cane in the production of biodiesel to minimize use of fossil fuels (Singh &Harvey 4). Lack of set goals to develop an integral strategy on how to maintain sustainable growth of bio-fuel plants was offset by deforestation (Corlett & Richard 7). Expansive growth of soy beans and sugar canes to produce biodiesel and ethanol claimed vast land for farming. Moreover, the government’s aggressive targets to maximize production of fuel never accounted for secondary impacts toward the rainforests (Singh &Harvey 2). Radical production of bio-fuels triggered reclamation of range lands and forests (Corlett & Richard 2). According to environmentalists, increased production of sugar canes resulted into inbuilt pressure on land reserved for livestock thereby pushing animals into forest zones.
Meanwhile, Brazil has setup a strategy to minimize deforestation and maximize its benefits by expanding production of more renewable bio-fuel crops (Corlett & Richard 27). Land use changes must be adopted in order to incorporate the model formulated for agricultural economy. In line with this, a recommendation was made by the European Union for Brazil. They insisted on the use of renewable sources of energy that have less harm to environment. Besides, interest groups urged the country to grow alternative crops that will not affect rangelands such as oil palm plants (Singh &Harvey 17). Palm oil plant produces more renewable fuel that has fewer risks of green-house emissions. Moreover, they argue that there should be laws that limit the density of animals kept in range lands. This will reduce overstocking that might force domestic animals to invade forested zones.
So far, Brazil has embarked on an economic policy of optimum production for sustainable development to achieve vision 2020 (Singh &Harvey 15). However, the country has put weight on the economic benefits associated with replacing the currently used bio-fuel plants with more renewable ones like oil palms. In the meantime, rate of deforestation in Brazil forests has declined due to use of oil palms. The government has come up with initiatives to modernize pasture lands into more sustainable uses (Singh &Harvey 9). Better still, indirect land use where biodiesel plants have been introduced in pasture land has lowered emission of green-house.
Works Cited
Corlett, Richard. &, Richard, Primack. Tropical Rain Forests: An Ecological and Biogeographically Comparison. Hoboken: John Willey & Sons, Inc. 2011. Print.
Singh, Om. & Harvey, Steven. Sustainable Biotechnology: Sources of Renewable Energy. New York: Springer. 2010. Print.