The current economic systems of the Western world are unsustainable and contribute to overshooting the planetary boundaries, as the production of goods and services is accompanied by high levels of non-recyclable waste and greenhouse gas emissions, which further exacerbate climate change. To drive the transition to a bioeconomy, large amounts of renewable resources such as wood are needed, for example in the construction sector to promote timber construction, or as a renewable energy source. Increased wood consumption will increase pressure on forests and lead to a shortage of forests that provide forest ecosystem services such as climate regulation, water regulation, soil conservation and habitat for biodiversity. In addition, forest loss affects the social values of forests, as fewer forests are available for recreation. It can also lead to food insecurity in developing countries as more land is used to produce renewable resources at the expense of food production.
Increasing pressure on ecosystems from bioeconomy products
The current economic systems of the Western world are unsustainable and contribute to overshooting the planetary boundaries, as the production of goods and services is accompanied by high levels of non-recyclable waste and greenhouse gas emissions, which further exacerbate climate change. To drive the transition to a bioeconomy, large amounts of renewable resources such as wood are needed, for example in the construction sector to promote timber construction, or as a renewable energy source. Increased wood consumption will increase pressure on forests and lead to a shortage of forests that provide forest ecosystem services such as climate regulation, water regulation, soil conservation and habitat for biodiversity. In addition, forest loss affects the social values of forests, as fewer forests are available for recreation. It can also lead to food insecurity in developing countries as more land is used to produce renewable resources at the expense of food production.
- Chemicals & Waste
- Waste Reduction
- Promotion of Bio-Materials
Increasing pressure on ecosystems from bioeconomy products
Land use change in the southern temperate forests of Chile, driven by factors such as increased logging, has significant implications for ecosystem services in the region. This change leads to changes in forest structure and affects the flora and fauna that inhabit these areas. In addition, the recreational value and ecotourism potential of these forests is being compromised. This situation highlights a trade-off between the provisioning services of forests, such as food and timber, and the cultural services associated with recreation and tourism.
- The problem-shift had no effect on the efforts to address the initial problem
- Cascading (far-reaching effects following each other)
Nahuelhual, L., Carmona, A., Aguayo, M., & Echeverria, C. (2014). Land use change and ecosystem services provision: A case study of recreation and ecotourism opportunities in southern Chile. Landscape Ecology, 29(2), 329–344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-013-9958-x
Egenolf, V., Distelkamp, M., Morland, C., Beck-O’Brien, M., & Bringezu, S. (2022). The timber footprint of German bioeconomy scenarios compared to the planetary boundaries for sustainable roundwood supply. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 33, 686-699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.07.029
Di Fulvio, F., Forsell, N., Korosuo, A., Obersteiner, M., & Hellweg, S. (2019). Spatially explicit LCA analysis of biodiversity losses due to different bioenergy policies in the European Union. Science of the total environment, 651, 1505-1516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.419
Nahuelhual, L., Carmona, A., Aguayo, M., & Echeverria, C. (2014). Land use change and ecosystem services provision: a case study of recreation and ecotourism opportunities in southern Chile. Landscape ecology, 29, 329-344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-013-9958-x
Renzaho, A. M., Kamara, J. K., & Toole, M. (2017). Biofuel production and its impact on food security in low and middle income countries: Implications for the post-2015 sustainable development goals. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 78, 503-516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.072
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