TORONTO — Today, Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), called upon world leaders participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris to signal their support for biofuels as one of the tools to fight climate change. "This conference is a real opportunity for world leaders to recognize the role that renewable fuels have played, and will continue to play, in the transition to a low-carbon global economy," Baker said. "The climate problem is accelerating and biofuels represent one of the most cost-effective solutions to reduce oil use and greenhouse gas emissions from transport in the short and medium term," he added. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has said that October 2015 was the hottest October on record by a third of a degree making it the most above-normal month since records began being kept in 1880. This was the eighth month this year when a heat record was set, representing a record number of broken records in any year. So far, 36 countries have already recognized the opportunity presented by biofuels in reducing GHG emissions and combating climate change, and have included them in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) plans. Studies have shown that most biofuels, like ethanol, are proven to reduce harmful GHGs from 40% to 90% compared to fossil fuels around the world. "Given the significant contribution biofuel is making in reducing global GHG emissions today, we believe COP 21 participants should call for an increase in biofuel use through the introduction of supportive policies, particularly for advanced biofuels," concluded Baker. The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 90% of global biofuels productions. Through the development of new technologies and best practices, Alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint.
