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Sustainable bio-resource pathways towards a fossil-free world: The European bioeconomy in a global development context

This policy paper, prepared for the IEEP Think2030 conference, looks at requirements for implementing the EU’s bioeconomy strategy, particularly given the possible impacts along international supply chains.

Holger Hoff, Francis X. Johnson / Published on 17 October 2018
Citation

Hoff, H., Johnson, F. X., Allen, B., Biber-Freudenberger, L. and Förster, J. J. (2018). Sustainable Bio-Resource Pathways towards a Fossil-Free World: The European Bioeconomy in a Global Development Context. Policy paper produced for the IEEP Think2030 conference. Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), Brussels

Lumber.  Photo: / OliverChilds Getty

National transitions to bioeconomy should become an integral part of an overall sustainability transition. This requires improvements in both consumption and production, in order to avoid excessive pressure on bioresources as bioeconomy transitions take hold.

In order to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and implement its bioeconomy strategy, the European Union will need to increase its imports of biomass. In doing so, it must avoid worsening sustainability problems in supplier countries.

This policy paper presents some initial evidence, as well as evidence gaps, on synergies and trade-offs across different policy areas, sectors and regions related to bioeconomy development in the EU. It provides initial guiding principles for the implementation of the EU bioeconomy strategy and solutions in a global development context, inviting further dialogue between science, policy and practice

SEI authors

Francis X. Johnson
Francis X. Johnson

Senior Research Fellow

SEI Asia

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