Are new biofuels the ethical answer?

For example, higher-yielding biofuel crops that might reduce the need for resources such as water and land.

Much of the research into new types of biofuels is at an early stage.

But it is important that we consider the potential ethical, environmental and economic issues now to avoid the problems associated with their predecessors.

The new Working Party of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics is asking for people’s views on the potential of new biofuels to meet the World’s energy needs, support economic development and help address climate change in an ethical and sustainable way.

Tait is chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Working Party on Biofuels. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka is director of the Monitoring and Research Division at UN-Habitat in Nairobi.