New ethics study on biofuels
Thu, 22 October 2009
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has launched an inquiry into the ethical and social questions raised by new approaches to biofuels. There have been concerns about the effect of biofuel production on, for example, food security and the environment, especially in the developing world. New types of biofuels are being developed which aim to address these concerns. The Council will examine their potential to meet our energy needs, address climate change and support economic development in an ethical and sustainable way.
Professor Joyce Tait, Chair of the Working Party on Biofuels, and Scientific Adviser to the Innogen Centre (ESRC Centre for Social and Economic Research on Innovation in Genomics) in Edinburgh University, said:
“We all know that we need to reduce energy consumption and find alternatives. Plant breeding and genetic modification technologies are being used to improve the yield of plants for renewable fuel and make better use of the land we have available. We want to ensure that the potential benefits and any potential impacts on the environment, food production and farmers have been thoroughly considered from a social and ethical perspective, before future generation biofuels are brought into wider use.”
The Working Party will consider the possible benefits and costs of future generation biofuels, for both developing and developed countries, in a number of areas, for example:
- environmental sustainability and protection;
- food security:
- workers’ and farmers’ rights in developing countries;
- intellectual property and governance;
- public acceptability; and
- impact on future generations.
“As well as working on existing plants, scientists are developing new micro-organisms that might be used to produce biofuels – part of a new area of research called synthetic biology,” said Professor Tait. “There is also promising research on algae, which have a high oil content and do not need fresh water to grow. We will look at the potential of these new areas of science to help us meet our urgent need for renewable sources of energy.“
“We will also look at how policy and regulatory systems can encourage the development of beneficial technologies and ensure that they are safe for people and the environment.”
The Working Party includes members with expertise in science, environment, philosophy, law, policy, economics, the commercial sector, energy security, and sustainable and international development. The group will talk to experts from developed and developing countries, and will hold a public consultation over the winter of 2009/10 to draw together wider views on the issues raised. A report with recommendations for policy will be published 12 months later.
Notes to editors
1. For further information contact:
Catherine Joynson
Communications Manager
Nuffield Council on Bioethics
28 Bedford Square
London WC1B 3JS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7681 9619
Mob: +44(0)7747 635863
Email: cjoynson@nuffieldbioethics.org
Web: www.nuffieldbioethics.org
2. Background
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an independent body which examines the ethical issues raised by developments in medicine and biology. Established in 1991, it is funded by The Nuffield Foundation, the Medical Research Council and The Wellcome Trust.
3. Consultation
The Working Party will launch a three-month public consultation in early December 2009. For more details contact Catherine Joynson (see above).
4. Members of the Working Party
The members of the Working Party were appointed for their personal knowledge and expertise, and will not necessarily be representing the views of their organisations.
Professor Joyce Tait (Chair)
Scientific Adviser to the Innogen Centre (ESRC Centre for Social and Economic Research on Innovation in Genomics), Edinburgh University
Dr Mike Adcock
Director, Master of Laws (LLM) Programme, Durham University
Professor Simon Caney
Professor in Political Theory, Magdalen College, University of Oxford
Professor Joanna Chataway
Professor of Biotechnology and Development, The Open University
Professor Ian Crute
Chief Scientist, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Professor Robin Gill
Michael Ramsey Professor of Modern Theology, University of Kent
Professor Jon Hutton
Director, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-WCMC)
Professor Ottoline Leyser CBE FRS
Professor of Plant Developmental Genetics and Chair of the Biology Department Research Committee, University of York
Dr Nigel Mortimer
Director, North Energy Associates Ltd, Sheffield
Professor Christine Raines
Professor in Plant Biology, University of Essex
Mr Ian Smale
Head of Strategy and Policy, BP
Dr Jim Watson
Director, Sussex Energy Group, Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex; and Deputy Leader, Climate Change and Energy Programme, The Tyndall Centre
Last Updated Fri, 23 October 2009