Sustainable Biorefineries

摘要

As the global demand for energy continues to rise, biofuels hold the promise of providing a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. High oil prices and the threat of negative climate change impacts have sparked a surge in research and business activities. National security concerns and the desire to increase farm incomes have prompted governments around the world to enact policies in favor of biofuels. Developing countries hope to increase access to inexpensive fuel in isolated areas. Biofuels are also seen as an option to reduce air pollution in urban areas. However, the current boom has sparked controversy as well. Opponents accuse biofuels of requiring more energy inputs and causing more greenhouse gas emissions than their fossil counterparts. Many concerns center on possible environmental degradation: erosion, deterioration of soil health, depletion of aquifers, and losses in biodiversity. Large-scale biofuels production is often regarded as a threat to food production and conservation efforts (Hill et al., 2006; Worldwatch Institute, 2006).