The Bioeconomy Trade-Off: Meeting Energy Needs Without Increasing Pressure on Forests

Growing demand for biofuels and bio-based materials could increase competition for land, forests and biomass. Building on recent Chatham House research, this panel will examine where the greatest risks lie and what governments and businesses can do about them. Drawing on perspectives from policy, industry and forest stewardship, the discussion will explore choices around sourcing, land use, circularity, traceability and assurance — and ask how the bioeconomy can grow without shifting environmental and social costs elsewhere. The discussion will consider how biofuel and bioeconomy policies can support the objectives of the CBD and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.