Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than
previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report
obtained by the Guardian.
The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed
analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an
internationally-respected economist at global financial body.
Political leaders seem intent on suppressing and ignoring the strong
evidence that biofuels are a major factor in recent food price rises,"
said Robert Bailey, policy adviser at Oxfam. "It is imperative that we
have the full picture. While politicians concentrate on keeping
industry lobbies happy, people in poor countries cannot afford enough
to eat.
The
figure emphatically contradicts the US government's claims that
plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3% to food-price rises. It
will add to pressure on governments in Washington and across Europe,
which have turned to plant-derived fuels to reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases and reduce their dependence on imported oil.
Senior
development sources believe the report, completed in April, has not
been published to avoid embarrassing President George Bush.
more
Read More: The Guardian
Last update : 01-08-2008 18:10
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