Why could biofuels made from plant feedstocks be more sustainable than fossil fuels?

Biofuels derived from plant feedstocks are considered more sustainable than fossil fuels primarily because they are a renewable energy source that can be replenished readily.1

From a climate perspective, plant-based biofuels are theoretically "carbon neutral." The carbon dioxide released during combustion is balanced by the carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere by the plants during photosynthesis as they grow. In contrast, burning fossil fuels releases carbon that was sequestered millions of years ago, contributing to a net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases.23

Within the field of synthetic biology, researchers are developing advanced methods to improve this sustainability. By engineering microbes to efficiently break down dense, non-food feedstocks like switchgrass, scientists aim to create production processes that are more efficient and less expensive than traditional methods. Furthermore, when combined with carbon capture and storage technologies, biofuel production has the potential to perpetually remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offering a significant environmental advantage over conventional fuel sources.42