Bioeconomy
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Biomass Certification Schemes from both Sides of the Atlantic
Ecologic Institute organized a symposium on biomass certification scheme in Washington DC on 22 January 2010. The event addressed the role of certification systems in developing a new green economy with the goal of facilitating the exchange of ideas and lessons based on US and German experiences, and advancing the discussion about establishing international standards for biomass-based energy.
Certification of Biofuels
The international debate on biofuels is mostly dominated by environmental and economic aspects while the question of how biofuels can be produced in a socially acceptable way is not systematically tackled. The project "Biofuel as Social Fuel" examines for two regions in Germany and Brazil the social dimension of biofuel production. Timo Kaphengst gave a lecture at the project`s kick-off event stressing the role of certification systems in biofuel governance.
Read moreAt a Tipping Point?
Europäische und nationale Nachhaltigkeitsanforderungen bei der energetischen Nutzung von Biomasse
International Prospects of Using Biofuels
Biofuels: Between Energy Security and Climate Change - Latin America and the international discussion
This workshop from 28-29 August 2008 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) aimed towards a common understanding between representatives of Latin America, Asia, Europe and the US on future biofuel development. Timo Kaphengst outlined in his presentation the renewable energy policy of the European Union, more specifically the main controversies within decision-making bodies of the EU on biofuel targets and sustainability standards.
Read moreAssessment of inter-linkages between biofuel development and water availability
The development of the biofuels sector in Europe has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of production and its impacts on the environment.This project explores and analyses the different water needs and distribution of bioenergy crops grown or potentially grown in the next decades in the EU. The overall objective is to support the Commission regarding future work on water scarcity and on linking water and agricultural policies.
There is growing concern throughout the EU regarding drought events leading to water scarcity problems, and the number of Member States thatRead more
If biofuels are the answer – what is the question? A review on the benefits and drawbacks of biofuels from an environmental, development, and climate perspective
Stephanie Schlegel gave a presentation discussing the current bioenergy policy in the U.S. and the European Union. The presentation focused on the analysis of current support schemes for biofuels and compared the expectations and objectives to the actual impacts and results of bioenergy policy approaches from an environmental, climate and development perspective.
Around the world, biofuels are promoted as the solution to various problems such as security of energy supply and the challenge of climate change. However, numerous recent studies have shown that although bioenergy hasRead more
From Biofuel Standards to an International Standard-setting Scheme for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
As part of a series of European conferences on human dimensions research, the Berlin conference this year focused on governance of social-ecological change. Timo Kaphengst showed in his presentation, how the current debate on sustainable standards for biofuels could be used to create an international standard-setting scheme for the sustainable use of all natural resources.
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