The biofuels context. Alternative energy sources and the role of biofuels

Transcription

1 The biofuels context Alternative energy sources and the role of biofuels Nadine McCormick International Union for Conservation of Nature

2 What is IUCN? A unique democratic union of more than 1,000 organizational members National states, government agencies and NGOs from over 160 countries 10,000 scientists in six commissions of expertise A world leader in conservation knowledge since 1948 A neutral forum for governments, NGOs, scientists, business and local communities to find pragmatic solutions UN Observer Status

3 Why energy for a conservation organisation? ALL energy options have some impact on ecosystems and livelihoods AND energy systems depend on ecosystem services

4 Ecosystems supporting biomass for energy pollination healthy soils a predictable climate water flows pest control

5 What energy future? The future hinges on finding a way of supplying the world s growing energy needs in a way that does not irreparably harm the environment, WEO 2008

6 Energy context Climate change High oil prices Energy security Rural development

7 Real energy context? Climate change High oil prices Rural development Energy security

8 World energy demand 1662 Mtoe 1186 Mtoe 40%

9 Global targets for bioenergy More than 2.5bn people depend on traditional forms of biomass WEO (2008) Biomass accounts for approx.10% world primary energy demand, 7% if traditional biomass use is excluded (6% for heat, 1% for transport) Biofuels: 1.5% in 2006, predicted up to 5% in 2030 Source: OECD/IEA, 2008

10 Global biofuel policy targets More than 50 targets/mandates worldwide Source: As at March 2008 Petersen (ERAE, 2008)

11 Global biofuel policy targets Queensland M 5% 2008 biodiesel mandate blocked, set for 2010 introduction Germany M biodiesel blend for 2009 reduced from 6.25% to 5.25% Mozambique M 15% petrol and diesel share by 2014 New Zealand M 2.5 per cent ethanol share by 2012 Thailand M Reduction in price of B5 biodiesel USA M Will fall short of mandate by 20% Some revisions down but all targets and mandates maintained

12 Targets Targets often reflect sectoral bias, little policy coherence Project into future but not take into account limiting factors (land, water, labour + climate change = uncertainty!) Biofuel targets often cannot be met nationally, implies trade not just in feedstock, but more recently land

13 World food, feed, fibre and energy production will require a 10% increase in farmland (OECD, 2008) Source: Guardian, 22 Nov

14 Different pathways

15 Factors for determining impact Scale of production industrial vs small scale/intensive or extensive Crop used and how it s grown Harvesting patterns Competition vs. substitution effect Other policy areas (energy, environment, agriculture, rural development) Governance effectiveness and stakeholder engagement How factors will be affected in the future with climate change

16 Impacts of agriculture Risks Land-use change Water quantity and quality Soil erosion Nutrient leaching (pollution and GHG) Declining biodiversity Invasive species? Opportunities Economic values for extensive cropping Diversification of cropping in intensive systems Opportunities for conservation farming practices (e.g. no-till, organic) Shift from annual to perennial crops

17 Implementing more sustainable biofuel production Apply existing assessment and management tools See IUCN publication Invasives page 21

18 Sustainability schemes Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Globalgap (previously EUREPGAP) Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Principle 1 Principle 2 Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS) Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Principle 6: Environmental impact Principle 9 Maintenance of HCV forests 6.9 The use of exotic species shall be carefully controlled and actively monitored to avoid adverse ecological impacts. Principle 5: Environment and Conservation Principle 7: Conservation and Biodiversity The use of native crops shall be preferred. Principle 5: Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity Principle 2: Biodiversity Conservation Principle 9: Protection of biodiversity Principle 2: Ecosystem Conservation Principle 3: Wildlife Protection Exotic wildlife must not be introduced into the farm.

19 Main messages 1.Biofuel targets are not going away, being supplemented by biomass for heat and power 2.Risks and opportunities of biofuel developments linked to agriculture 3.Need to adapt and apply existing tools, including invasives