Biofuels: ethical issues
Report
Published 12/04/2011
- To review:
- advances in the development of future generation biofuels, including the use of advanced plant breeding strategies, genetic modification and synthetic biology
- the potential of these advances to address climate change mitigation and energy needs and to contribute to economic development
- To identify and consider both the advantages and benefits, as well as the ethical, social, legal and economic implications of the development of such future generation biofuels, including:
- issues of environmental sustainability and protection
- impact on food security, particularly for the poor and vulnerable
- implications for the rights of workers and farmers in developing countries, including labour and land rights, and health effects
- issues surrounding land use for biofuel production
- implications for future generations
- implications in relation to intellectual property issues
- issues surrounding public acceptance of biofuels
- governance of future generation biofuels and related policy issues
- To consider the development and implementation of policies, legislation and governance that could promote the safe development and use of future generation biofuels
- To draft a report and make recommendations.
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