Description

Liquid transport fuels made from biomass have been seen as an opportunity of greening the transport and avoiding expensive oil imports. Renewable energy sources account for 6.7 % of the European energy consumption; mandatory target has been set at 20 % by 2020. However, negative sides of biofuels are several: massive production of biofuel crops could release more CO2 than it would save; danger of impacts on biodiversity and damaging soil and water resources; global rising of food prices in 2008. Political support for the biofuel industry will be influenced by public perceptions of biofuels contributions. The paper presents a media content analysis of the problem coverage in 2008, and an inter-disciplinary insight of connected issues.

Keywords: biofuel industry, media coverage, green marketing, EU, energy consumption, sustainability