Main navigation

Daily news

Darling urges reform of global biofuel projects

14 April 2008

The chancellor of the exchequer has called for urgent action to reform international biofuel programmes in a bid to tackle the world¿s mounting food crisis.

Alistair Darling asked the World Bank to produce an analysis at June's G7 meeting on the impact of green policies on global food shortages.

Speaking in Washington, DC, at a meeting of G7 leaders, he said the matter was of some urgency.

"People across the world will say, 'Why didn¿t you see this coming?' when it is staring us in the face. We have got to take action," he said, adding: "It would be a profound mistake if we get into a situation where we are growing corn that is essential for feeding people and converting it into fuel. That is not sustainable."

The soaring cost of food was a key issue for G7 ministers who met in Washington at the weekend for the spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth, said the unthinking dash for grain-based biofuels should be halted, given the unintended consequences.

Britain and the US have pledged support for new World Bank funds to support climate adaptation and technology transfer.

Find out how the Energy Saving Trust can help you