A group of 20 countries interested in biofuels and the bioeconomy unveiled a new BioFutures Platform last month in a ceremony at the United Nations climate conference in Marrakech.
Participating countries include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. Biofuels Digest describes the Platform as “a new, collective effort to accelerate development and scale up deployment of modern, sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to fossil-based solutions in transport fuels, industrial processes, chemicals, plastics, and other sectors.”
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“Transportation accounts for around 23% of the world’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and it is among the most challenging sectors to decarbonize,” the Platform declaration stated. “While hybrid and electric cars can help reduce carbon footprint in light duty transport, other, more immediate solutions must be concurrently put forward if climate targets are to be achieved.”
The statement adds that “sustainable, non-fossil alternatives should also be developed in such sectors as heavy duty vehicles, air transportation, plastics, and chemicals. A large number of countries have developed or are developing a bioeconomy strategy that includes expanding the production and use of biofuels, biopower, and bio-based products.”
