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 11 June 2008
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"Food Crisis: Danger and Opportunity" Episode 2

11/06/2008

The consequences of soaring food prices -- starvation, malnourishment, riots and unrest -- are hitting millions of people around the world. The causes of the current crisis are complex, but the effects on people are clear, as is the need for solutions. The United Nations is among those taking the lead in responding to this challenge.

The Chinese characters for crisis are two -- one is the symbol for "danger", but the other is the symbol for "opportunity". It is with this view that UN Radio presents "The Food Crisis: Danger and Opportunity" a series that puts the human face on the crisis, while looking ahead to possible long and medium-term solutions.

Episode 2: The effect of biofuel production on food prices

To reduce dependency on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions many countries are turning to the production of ethanol and biodiesel for use in cars. But as prices of corn and wheat have gone up, incentives to produce biofuels have come under scrutiny for making these basic food commodities unaffordable for many. Some experts are calling for a ban on grains-based biofuels. Others are urging the exploration of second-generation biofuels from non-food sources.

Producer: LiLing Huang

Presenter: Dianne Penn

(duration: 8'54")