With the fast development of biofuel industry, high-energy input in large-scale cultivation of energy crops and agricultural land use change have brought series of potential environmental impacts. After reading much relevant literature, this paper introduces the general development of biofuel, summarizes the environmental impact of biofuel development in the world, such as the greenhouse gas emission, land use change, the impact of water and soil resources and biodiversity. 1) Some scholars believe that despite the benefit is different, the biofuel, to a certain extent, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, some scholars believe the biofuel doesn't reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuel, even worse. 2) The development of biofuel causes great potential environmental impact on land use, but the impact is of great uncertain. 3) Large-scale development of biofuel affects the quality of soil and water resources, and is harmful to biodiversity. But the appropriate management may bring positive benefits. 4) The research results are various as the study angle and scale, methodology, data accuracy and accessibility are very different. The development of biofuel and its environmental impact are extremely controversial. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the present situation and lack of biofuel study. Furthermore, the development prospect and research focus of biofuel are projected.
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