Worldwide biofuel production has increased, with the main source being corn-based ethanol. This has driven up corn prices in the U.S. (a large producer) and created problems for countries that heavily rely on U.S. corn imports, such as Mexico. In 2007, tortilla prices soared 70 percent in that country, and riots broke out. Eventually the government stepped in to control costs, but similar situations could arise in the coming years as we increasingly turn to food as a source of fuel.

Worldwide biofuel production has increased, with the main source being corn-based ethanol. This has driven up corn prices in the U.S. (a large producer) and created problems for countries that heavily rely on U.S. corn imports, such as Mexico. In 2007, tortilla prices soared 70 percent in that country, and riots broke out. Eventually the government stepped in to control costs, but similar situations could arise in the coming years as we increasingly turn to food as a source of fuel.