What is one characteristic of biofuels?

Biofuels are often considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide released when they are burned is approximately equal to the amount of carbon dioxide that was absorbed by the plants during their growth. This cycle makes biofuels a more sustainable energy source compared to fossil fuels. When plants grow, they take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and when biofuels derived from these plants are used for energy, the same amount of carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. This balance suggests that biofuels do not contribute additional carbon to the atmosphere, which is a key advantage in combatting climate change.

This characteristic contrasts with non-renewable energy sources, which can lead to a net increase in atmospheric carbon due to the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, thus highlighting the environmental benefit of biofuels.