Biofuels and Sustainability

Biofuels are expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, vitalizing economies in the agricultural communities and alleviating poverty. However, in spite of its anticipated benefits, international organizations such as the FAO, OECD and UN are expressing their concerns that biofuel promotion may lead to deforestation, water pollution and water shortage in their reports. The impacts of biofuel use are extensive, cross-sectoral and complex and therefore comprehensive analyses and assessments are required to achieve sustainable societies. With a view to conducting comprehensive analysis, this book attempts to assess biofuel use strategies from an interdisciplinary perspective using Sustainability Science. As this book proposes to study biofuels from an interdisciplinary perspective (social science-natural science), the strategies and policy options proposed by this study would have significant impacts on economy and society. In addition, Sustainability Science has been still developing. Applying the concept and methodology from the Sustainability Science view in this book may contribute to implement it to the society to establish sustainable society. The United States and European Union prepared their own roadmaps to promote biofuels. However, these roadmaps miss cross-sectoral perspectives and therefore the degradation of environmental sustainability is concerned. The interdisciplinary approach applied in this research will be an appropriate response to a global need for urgent actions on such current problems.