Corn Based Argument Analysis

The world we live in today is suffering in ways that people before never have. There are constant issues involving environmental hazards, including the alarming rate in which natural resources are being diminished. To help limit the use of one resource, the United States has been turning corn into an ethanol fuel that can be used in vehicles as a gasoline alternative. But this use of corn comes with a set of its own negative effects that extend around the world. The amount of corn based ethanol produced in the United States should be decreased due to its overall negative impact and lack of efficient use.
Corn based ethanol is thought to be an alternative that could help save resources and reduce pollution. But this is not truly the case. The
According to forbes, “In 2000, over 90% of the U.S. corn crop went to feed people and livestock, many in undeveloped countries, with less than 5% used to produce ethanol. In 2013, however, 40% went to produce ethanol, 45% was used to feed livestock, and only 15% was used for food and beverage.” This shows that as the demand for corn increases, farmers begin to designate more land for the type of corn that produces ethanol; therefore, growing less edible corn and alternative crops. One example of such crop is soy. Because of the price of corn, the soy market faces a supply decrease, raising prices and decreasing quantity. This same type of impact creates higher prices on many other goods as well, hurting consumers paying for these higher priced goods. “When poor people around the world are spending 50% or more of their income on food to begin with, they really cannot afford higher prices for food, so higher food prices tend to cause hunger.” Not only does it lead to hunger, it takes away their ability to spend money on other goods and opportunities. Increasing the price of one product creates this chain reaction that extends to what seem like unrelated subjects; hence, the production of corn ethanol is leading to greater consequences than just those directly connectected.
Overall, the United States should decrease the amount of corn ethanol being produced. The environment friendly look of it seems to be doing damage nearly equal to that of gasoline production, but in different areas. Not only that, but the increase in demand is leading to higher priced food products. This is not only hurting consumers, but producers as well. Rather than increasing corn ethanol production, the United States should focus on developing an all around effective and beneficial gasoline