"The United States is a laggard on this issue, and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet," said John Coequyt, energy campaigner with Greenpeace USA. "The U.S. government must take a giant leap forward quickly in order to make the necessary steps to combat global warming. An aggressive focus on ethanol, without a federally mandated cap on emissions, is simply a leap sideways," he added.

Brazil is currently the world’s fourth largest polluter, with 75% of its emissions coming from deforestation of the Amazon forest. Although the Brazilian government ratified the Kyoto Protocol, the country has not yet committed to concrete targets to reduce its emissions. Greenpeace is adamant that increased production of ethanol in Brazil for its own supply and for export needs closer scrutiny.

"Brazil must address the need for stronger environmental, agricultural and labor laws for ethanol production for what will no doubt become a booming industry," said Rebeca Lerer of Greenpeace Brazil. "No deforestation, conversion of intact ecosystems or expansion into areas used for food crops should be accepted for biofuels production, since Brazil will never be able to end the U.S. oil addiction."