UN dissects bioenergy: Part 1
The production of alternative and sustainable energy sources is one of the major issues on the international agenda. And now United Nations (UN) specialists have analyzed the pros and cons.
In a detailed report, the UN warns that the growth of bioenergy offers many opportunities, but also implies perils and concessions.
So it is necessary to carefully study biofuel's economic, social and environmental impact before deciding how quickly to develop them, and which technologies, policies and strategies to follow.
The document, created by UN Energy (a group made up of all United Nations agencies working in the area of energy) is called “Sustainable Energy: A Framework for Decision Makers”. Its aim is to help ensure that “the energy needs of people are met and the local and global environment is adequately protected."
The report points out the many benefits of bioenergy in relation to the alleviation of poverty, access to energy services, rural development and rural infrastructure.
Similarly, it reviews the likely impact of bioenergy in terms of food security, climate change, biodiversity and natural resources, employment and trade. It also identifies vital points decision makers need to consider.
“Unless new policies are enacted to protect threatened lands, secure socially acceptable land use, and steer bioenergy development in a sustainable direction overall, the environmental and social damage could in some cases outweigh the benefits,” the document stresses.
Part 2 in a few days...
From E-campo, with permission...
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Tags: alternative energy, bioethanol, bioenergy, biofuel, sustainable energy, UN, United Nations, UN Energy
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