Global biofuels output is expected to rise nearly 70% by 2030 from 2025 levels as major producers increase blending mandates following the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, a study co-authored by Chatham House and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) found. Biofuels such as ethanol are made from organic feedstocks and blended with gasoline or diesel, becoming more competitive when fossil-fuel prices increase. The authors warned that prioritizing short-term energy security could worsen food insecurity, particularly if extreme weather adds another shock to food prices. Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the US and the European Union have proposed or adopted higher mandates since the war began. If all proposed measures are implemented, the land required for biofuel feedstocks could more than double by 2030 from 2023 levels, requiring an additional 36 million hectares, roughly the size of Germany. The study said feedstocks grown on degraded land or between crop seasons can reduce land degradation or support restoration, but conventional first-generation biofuels made from food and feed crops such as corn and sugarcane generally carry negative consequences for land degradation, food security and water use. Second-generation, or advanced, biofuels use organic residues and waste materials such as used cooking oil. Crude oil prices have risen nearly 40% since the Iran war began in late February, while sugar and corn prices have gained about 20%.