"Sustainable Bioenergy - Challenges and Opportunities"
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International
Conference 12/13 October 2006 Venue: Altes Wasserwerk –
Former Parliament Building
Bioenergy, in particular biofuels, is becoming the most rapidly booming energy sector. Driven by the recent oil price escalations and climate change, alternatives to petroleum-based fuels are an increasingly attractive option for the transport sector. At the same time, policies to promote renewable energies and reduce greenhouse gas emission in many nations are making the production of electricity and heat from biomass competitive. Some countries could benefit from significant new export opportunities in the emerging global bioenergy market. However, the bioenergy boom also poses significant questions: How can bioenergy be developed sustainably? What are the potential impacts on agricultural land and natural habitats? What market barriers could impede its progress? It is of vital importance that such concerns are addressed. Public and political support for bioenergy expansion depends on an overall positive contribution of bioenergy to all facets of sustainable development: environmental, economic and social development. The conference aims at discussing sustainability criteria that can serve as guidance for policymakers, civil society and business. This international conference will be convened by the German NGO Forum Environment & Development and the United Nations Foundation. It will bring together experts from governments, NGOs, business and science for a series of dynamic presentations. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in interactive, multistakeholder workshop sessions to discuss the opportunities for bioenergy, assess sustainability challenges and try to identify viable solutions for responsible utilization of this important renewable energy source. Contact:
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