In its first major report on bioenergy, the United Nations finds that liquid biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel offer both opportunities and risks for global livelihoods and the environment. The UN-Energy report, entitled "Sustainable Energy: A Framework for Decision Makers," reviews the potential impacts of bioenergy on food security, climate change, biodiversity and natural resources, employment and trade. It finds that producing and utilizing biofuels sustainably and minimizing negative side-effects will require strategic policy decisions and a cautious approach.
An "Extraordinary Opportunity"
Often recognized for their potential contribution to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, modern biofuels also present a significant opportunity for poverty alleviation and rural development. According to the report, establishing bioenergy industries in the world's poorer regions could generate income and employment while helping to meet the needs of the 1.6 billion people worldwide who lack access to electricity. For the 2.4 billion people who rely on traditional biomass energy such as dung or wood, bioenergy could dramatically reduce the number of deaths from indoor air pollution (currently estimated at 1.6 million people each year).
Potential Risks and Key Sustainability Issues
However, UN-Energy reports that a rapid increase in liquid biofuel production will place significant stress on land and water resources at a time when global demand for food and forest products is already growing rapidly. If biofuel crop production drives additional deforestation--as appears to be the case with palm oil demand in southeast asia--bioenergy might not result in GHG reductions relative to fossil fuels. Furthermore, creating biofuels favors large-scale production, and the use of mono-cropping could lead to biodiversity loss, soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
When it comes to societal impacts, the UN report warns that food and land prices could be driven up, thus threatening food security in the developing world. And the potential positive impacts of increased commodity prices on poor, small-scale farmers might not be realized if they are driven from their land by more competitive, large-scale agribusiness.
Taking a Cautious Approach
In recent years, the world has hastily embraced the potential environmental and social benefits of biofuels. Leading the way, U.S. and European leaders have set substantial bioenergy production targets to be met over the next decade. "Sustainable Energy: A Framework for Decision Makers" recommends a more cautious approach involving strategic policy measures to minimize negative consequences of biofuel production. For example, governments considering bioenergy should:
- Encourage sustainable bioenergy production and management practices, perhaps through an international certification scheme.
- Protect valuable ecosystems, including primary forests and grasslands.
- Help small-scale farmers compete through government subsidies or other measures.
RELATED LINKS:
FAO International Bioenergy platform
EarthTrends
March 2007 Monthly Update: Global Biofuel Trends
Climate and Atmosphere Searchable Database
Agriculture and Food Searchable Database
EarthTrends Podcast: Episode 4 (a discussion of biofuels featuring an interview with WRI's Liz Marshall)
