Biomass energy represents a potential energy source that offers a number of obvious environmental advantages over other forms of energy sources. However, there are growing concerns over a number of possible negative impacts associated with bioenergy

Question

Discuss two of these specific concerns.

Answer 1

Using bioenergy offers a number of obvious environmental advantages over other forms of energy; however, it is the possible negative impacts associated with bioenergy attracting so much attention. Although the use of bioenergy is theoretically carbon neutral, in reality the use of many biofuels is not, as greenhouse gas emissions occur at many points in the biofuel production cycle. Significant quantities of fossil fuels are consumed in growing, shipping, and processing crops for biofuel. This specifically includes fossil fuels used by farm machinery, in the production of fertilizers and pesticides, and in pumping water for irrigation. A second concern regarding the use of corn and soybeans for biofuel has been the possible impact on the world economy, increasing the cost of food and even possibly causing food shortages. When land that normally is used to grow food is then transferred into fuel production, less land available for food production would be the issue. As world population continues to grow, this change in land use could have a significant effect.