Carbon neutrality refers to a product that has net zero carbon emissions. The manufacture and use of corn-based ethanol has expanded based on the assumption that it’s carbon neutral and therefore far better for the environment than gasoline. However, several studies have shown that such assumptions are categorically false
A 2016 study found corn grown for ethanol only offset 37% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by burning biofuels, resulting in net-positive carbon dioxide emissions that are greater than gasoline
One of the primary reasons why growing corn for ethanol has a net-positive CO 2 impact is because farmers are plowing up native grasslands to make more room for corn; 60 tons of carbon dioxide are released into the environment per acre of grassland plowed
Ignoring water consumption further underestimates CO 2 emissions from land-use change by 28%. When corn plants’ water needs are considered, corn ethanol is worse for […]
Excerpt Sourced From: americafirstreport.com
