Biosynthesis of fuels

Article By:

Nozzi, Nicole E. Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California.

Atsumi, Shota Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California.

Last reviewed:2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB140352

Modern society currently depends heavily on the burning of fossil fuels to meet its ever increasing energy needs. However, unchecked use of fossil fuels from the industrial revolution to the present has greatly reduced the reservoirs of these limited resources, an urgent matter that now drives political tactics and military spending worldwide. The issue is further exacerbated by the enormous environmental impact of burning fossil fuels in the form of global warming. Studies have shown that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are anthropogenic in origin and, if allowed to continue increasing at the current rate, the resulting higher temperatures will negatively impact the well-being of the planet. In light of these pressing concerns, researchers have taken up the daunting task of finding an alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels.

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