Biofuels have received both overwhelming support and criticism over the past years. This is why a more balanced perspective based on scientific information is needed to guide decision-making on how and under which conditions to develop a biofuels sector and biofuels projects.
Liquid, gaseous or solid biofuels hold great promise to deliver an increasing share of the energy required to power a new global green economy. Many in government and the energy industry believe this modern bioenergy can play a significant role in reducing pollution and greenhouse gases, and promoting development through new business opportunities and jobs. Modern bioenergy can be a mechanism for economic development enabling local communities to secure the energy they need, with farmers earning additional income and achieving greater price stability for their production.
But it is not that simple. Biofuels remain a complex and often contentious issue. Over the past few years the risks of competition with food production and potential negative impacts on the atmosphere, biodiversity, soil and water have been highlighted. The way biofuels are made and used is critical: they may either help mitigate or contribute to climate change, reduce or exacerbate impacts on ecosystems and resources.
Biofuels Vital Graphics visualizes the opportunities, the need for safeguards, and the options that help ensure sustainability of biofuels to make them a cornerstone for a Green Economy. Stories from around the world have been highlighter to exemplify possible approaches, lessons learned, risks and opportunities.
This report enshrines itself in the 2012 International Year for Sustainable Energy for All, with its three objectives for 2030: ensuring universal access to modern energy services; doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency; doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Biofuels Vital Graphics is designed as a communications tool. It builds on an earlier report by the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management of the United Nations Environment Programme, Towards Sustainable Production and Use of Resources: Assessing Biofuels, as well as research produced since. The publication is available in PDF and e-book formats at www.grida.no, where it is also available for download at GRID-Arendalmobile App.
The article is available in Pdf, or for iPad or as e-book for overview on at:
http://www.grida.no/publications/vg/biofuels/
For more information please contact: Ms. Anne Solgaard, Project Manager Green Economy, UNEP/GRID-Arendal, Tel: +47 48 23 44 99, Email: anne.solgaard@grida.no
!Vær den første til å kommentere