I just sent a message to GWB urging the creation of international biofuels standards to ensure that the current expansion of the biofuels industry does not damage the environment or drive up food prices.

As developed countries push for biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels, increased demand for the crops that make biofuels is causing the destruction of rainforests (cleared to make way for plantations) and a rise in food prices, as farmers grow crops for fuel instead of food. Just last week, the UN World Food Program announced a massive budget deficit as a result of rising food prices, caused by a combination of biofuels growth, bad weather, and high oil prices.

Note from me: In Colombia, lots of land taken forcibly from Afro-Colombian communities in recent years has been planted in oil palm, which absolutely devastates the rainforest. And now other Afro communities are being told that if they want a share of new US-AID funds, they have to get on the oil palm bandwagon! It’s horrifying.

This Friday through Saturday, the G20 group of countries (the twenty biggest economies, responsible for more than 75% of the world’s carbon emissions) will meet in Chiba, Japan, to begin climate change discussions leading up to the G8 summit this summer. Before the summit, Avaaz.org is launching a global cry for sustainable biofuels. By sending a message to your leader urging biofuels standards, you can make a difference on this critical issue. Take action now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/biofuel_standards_now/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

Thanks!