Sustainable Energy Seminar Series

media release: Dec. 5: “Biofuels and Land Use: Opportunities, challenges, and insights for sustainability” - Tyler Lark, Scientist, Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment

Abstract:

Bioenergy is an essential component of most proposed pathways to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 °C by middle to late century. Liquid biofuels may contribute to bioenergy’s share of climate mitigation by displacing petroleum-based fuels with those generated from modern-day plants. The GHG benefits of such substitution, however, are dependent on several factors including the degree to which biofuel production directly and indirectly alters patterns of land use and management. In this discussion, we will explore the relationship between biofuels and land use changes (LUCs) in the United States to understand the opportunities provided by this renewable energy source, reflect on the challenges that need to be addressed along the pathway to decarbonization, and glean insights into broader considerations for sustainable energy development.

• Upcoming seminar details can be found here: https://energy.wisc.edu/events/seminar-series
• Archives of past seminars can be found here: https://energy.wisc.edu/events/seminar-series-archive
• The YouTube video playlist of past seminars can be found here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5KvDvGhamVophFSGmWflU0PHpAPooO-u