IUCN report says jury still out on biofuels, calls for more research on biodiversity impacts

IUCN 15 Nov 14;

Sydney, Australia, 15 November 2014 (IUCN) – Food security, land grabs and human rights abuses are just some of the harmful impacts identified with the production of biofuels at a global scale, according to a new IUCN report released today at the IUCN World Parks Congress.

The report, A Global Assessment of the Environmental and Social Impacts Caused by the Production and Use of Biofuel, synthesises the biodiversity and social impacts of bioenergy production, mainly drawing on the latest literature related to liquid biofuels. It concludes that, although the volume and quality of research evidence has grown significantly in the past years, gaps remain. Some of these gaps are geographical, while others relate to certain feedstocks.

Further, the report finds that current biofuels policies and practices run the risk of undermining food security, while degrading ecosystems through deforestation, agrochemical pollution and the introduction of invasive species and genetically modified feedstock.

“The jury is still out on biofuels and more evidence is needed to show how well-managed biofuels production can contribute to sustainable energy, landscapes and livelihoods,” said Doris Cellarius, Co-Chair of the IUCN Cross-Theme Biofuels Task Force.

“The impact of biofuels on protected areas is especially under-researched,” she added. “This is vital for understanding the effects on biodiversity.”

The report recognises that sustainable biofuels are a key component for climate mitigation strategies, particularly in the transport sector. However, it finds that there is limited information about the effectiveness and potential for such strategies.

“Given that the use of bioenergy is expected to increase in the coming years, more research and metrics are needed to better understand the impacts of biofuel production on biodiversity and society,” said Giulia Carbone, Deputy Director of IUCN’s Business and Biodiversity Programme. “Emerging models suggest that sustainable biofuel production could improve rural livelihoods, while safeguarding the environment, so it is important to investigate these efforts further.”

The available literature has provided little documentation of the positive impacts of biofuels production. More studies are needed as emerging models indicate how smallholders can benefit. The Global Assessment provides suggestions for additional action and research. It is hoped that activists and scientists will see them as opportunities to be more engaged in this issue.