CHALLENGES IN BIODIESEL INDUSTRY: SOCIO-ECONOMIC, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, AND POLICY ISSUES

Abstract

Faced with the problem of the depletion of fossil fuels, the concern about energy security, especially in the energy depended countries due to constant conflicts in the oil-exporting countries, as well as the climate change due to burning of fossil fuels, the society recognized biofuels as the solution to many of these problems. Namely, the growing biofuel sector could provide the possibility for the development of rural areas and creating job opportunities for the local population, contribute to the development of strong self-sufficient communities and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases due to the belief that the burning of biofuels was carbon neutral. However, over the years, some issues regarding biofuel production and use emerged, showing that it was not all “black and white”, and that some side effects, such as the influence of biofuels on energy and food market, working conditions and workers’ rights regarding occupational health, the inconsistency of biofuel policies, the land change, etc. should also be addressed to. Key words: biodiesel production, workers' rights, working conditions, occupational health and safety