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Ökologische Dimensionen in der Entwicklung im Bereich Bioenergie
Author(s) -
Marshall Elizabeth,
Weinberg Marca,
Wunder Stephanie,
Kaphengst Timo
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
eurochoices
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.487
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 1746-692X
pISSN - 1478-0917
DOI - 10.1111/j.1746-692x.2011.00216.x
Subject(s) - bioenergy , sustainability , greenhouse gas , renewable energy , natural resource economics , biomass (ecology) , fossil fuel , biofuel , agriculture , environmental science , environmental impact assessment , environmental protection , business , geography , economics , engineering , ecology , waste management , archaeology , electrical engineering , biology
Summary Environmental Dimensions of Bioenergy Development A major impetus for the development of bioenergy in the US and Europe has been the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, particularly those used in transportation. While bioenergy has the potential to be more environmentally friendly, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it may also have unintended negative consequences. Characterising and quantifying the relationship between bioenergy production and the environment poses a considerable challenge. Much of the focus has been on the implications of expanded use of biofuels. The US and EU have dealt with the challenges posed by biofuel policies in different ways and there are concerns that the accounting of environmental effects remains incomplete. The development of integrated assessments covering such factors as soil productivity, water quantity and quality, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, and wildlife habitat, in addition to greenhouse gas emissions could provide a more comprehensive picture of the environmental implications of bioenergy development. In combination with an improved assessment of the effects of indirect land use change in other countries and an expansion of sustainability criteria to biomass production in general, this could help in integrating energy, agricultural, environmental and international trade policies to develop renewable energy in a sustainable way.