INSIDE THE SUGAR INDUSTRY by M M Eboch Content Consultant José Alvarez Adjunct and Emeritus Professor Everglades Research Education Center University of Florida BUSINESS BIG Essential Library An Imprint of Abdo Publishing abdopublishing com
1 FUELED BY SUGAR People often think of sugar as a quick source of energy in food It is a commonly added ingredient to candy sodas and other snacks making them taste sweeter But in Brazil sugar plays a more critical role The nation produces fuel made from sugarcane by the billions of gallons This fuel powers the majority of Brazil’s cars Along with domestic oil production sugarcane has helped Brazil become energy independent In addition to energy independence Brazil’s sugar-powered fuel has another benefit It is better for the environment When the fuel is burned it releases carbon dioxide and other exhaust gases just as gasoline does The difference is that as the sugarcane grew it steadily absorbed carbon dioxide from the air The result is a carbon neutral fuel unlike with fossil fuels burning it did not lead to an overall increase in the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere This has important implications for global climate change More than a simple snack additive sugar can have surprisingly wide-ranging effects Vast fields of sugarcane provide Brazil with enormous quantities of fuel 5
