38 - Socioeconomic aspects of third-generation biofuels

Abstract

This chapter examines the socioeconomic, environmental, ethical, policy-related, and geopolitical aspects of biofuels, comparing conventional (first- and second-generation) biofuels to the third (and fourth) generation of biofuels that are produced by algae. This chapter commences with a review of the basic characteristics of different biofuels, including definitions, production, economics, and challenges. Socioeconomic aspects include land; employment and income; costs and prices; gender and culture; and public acceptance. Issues that algal biofuels largely avoid (or affect differently) include competition for agricultural land; debate between food and fuel; rising food (and commodity) prices; pressures for deforestation; and reduction of biodiversity. Public attitudes are largely governed by emulation of social norms, but the public is not acquainted with algal biofuels well enough to be engaged in such behaviors and research on algal biofuels is lacking. Environmental aspects are related to the atmosphere; greenhouse gas emissions; land and soil; deforestation; ecosystems and biodiversity; water quantity and quality; wastes and recycling; energy; health and safety; aesthetics; and sustainability. Conventional biofuels affect water quality and quantity and have a debatable contribution toward fighting climate change, while algal biofuels can reuse wastewater, but may be associated with safety issues. As regards the strenuous relationship of the Global North to the Global South, conventional biofuels have been associated with environmental injustice and affect socioeconomic, ecological, food, transportation, energy, and even national security. Policies in the European Union, the US, China, India, and Latin America are presented and discussed. This chapter is rounded up with a summary and conclusions.