UNEP Report on Water and Bioenergy

In the second of its "Bioenergy Issues" paper series titled, "Water and Bioenergy", the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) highlights the emerging issue of water and water use in global development of the biofuels industry. In terms of water quantity impacts, increased biofuels production and use can lead to an increase in the use of water, which is already a limited resource in many countries. Research cited by UNEP shows that about two per cent, or 44 cubic kilometers of the global water withdrawals for irrigation are being used for bioenergy production. Thus, increased water use for bioenergy production could add to existing water-stress in areas with scarce water resources, triggering new environmental and social consequences. In terms of water quality impacts, bioenergy production can reportedly lead to "water quality problems, both on a project-level and on a regional level due to cumulative effects". During the crop production phase, run-off from fertilized fields can increase nitrogen and phosphorus levels, and could lead to eutrophication in waterbodies.

According to Achim Steiner, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and UNEP Executive Director, "There is no doubt that we need to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and move to cleaner, more environmental friendly options, but we need to make sure we are not creating more problems than we solve. Biofuel production has risks and opportunities. We need to examine all the risks, so that we can take full advantage of the opportunities, for emissions cuts, for new green jobs, and for raising the standards of living for some of the world's poorest communities".

The full report can be downloaded from the UNEP website (URL) above. Related information: UNEP Bioenergy Issues Paper No. 1 "Towards Sustainable Production and Use of Resources: Assessing Biofuels" http://www.unep.fr/energy/activities/water/pdf/Issue%20Paper%20No.2_FINAL.pdf