TOEFL統合ライティング

📖 読解文章

The use of biofuels, such as ethanol derived from corn, has been widely promoted as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Proponents argue that biofuels offer significant environmental and economic benefits. First, biofuels are considered carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is roughly equivalent to the amount absorbed by the crops during growth. This cycle theoretically does not add new greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Second, biofuels reduce dependence on imported oil, enhancing national energy security. By producing fuel domestically from agricultural crops, countries can shield themselves from volatile global oil markets and geopolitical tensions. Third, the biofuel industry stimulates rural economies by creating new markets for agricultural products. Farmers can earn additional income by growing energy crops, and the construction and operation of biofuel refineries generate jobs in rural areas, thus supporting local communities.

🎧 リスニング講義

The lecture challenges the claims made in the reading about biofuels. While the reading asserts that biofuels are carbon-neutral, the professor points out that this is misleading. When considering the entire life cycle, the production of biofuels—including farming, fertilizer manufacturing, and transportation—emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide. In fact, studies show that the total emissions can be even higher than those of conventional gasoline. Therefore, biofuels do not truly help reduce greenhouse gases. Second, regarding energy security, the lecture argues that relying on biofuels does not necessarily reduce oil imports. Most biofuel production requires substantial fossil fuel inputs, and the equipment and infrastructure still depend on petroleum. Moreover, countries often import cheaper biofuels from other nations, which does not ensure energy independence. Third, the economic benefits to rural areas are overstated. The demand for crops like corn for fuel drives up food prices, which can hurt farmers who also buy food. Additionally, large-scale monoculture for biofuels degrades soil and requires expensive fertilizers, leading to long-term economic and environmental costs that outweigh short-term job creation.