Government institutions are not doing enough to further the development of clean energy alternatives, according to theGlobal Renewable Fuels Alliance. The group is reacting to the report "International Energy Agencys Tracking Clean Energy Progress" that was released on April 26.
According to the report, biofuels for transport are not on track to meet their share of CO2 reduction that is needed to achieve the IEA's goal of an average 2 degree Celsius rise in global temperature by 2020. To do so the IEA has stated that total biofuel production needs to double, with advanced biofuel production to expand four-fold over currently announced capacity.
While the report highlighted the rapid progress made in some renewable technologies, it concludes that most clean energy technologies are not on track to make their required contribution to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and thereby provide a more secure energy system.
"We have a responsibility and a golden opportunity to act," said IEA Deputy Executive Director Ambassador Richard H Jones. "Energy-related CO2 emissions are at historic highs; under current policies, we estimate that energy use and CO2 emissions would increase by a third by 2020, and almost double by 2050. This would likely send global temperatures at least 6C higher. Such an outcome would confront future generations with significant economic, environmental and energy security hardships - a legacy that I know none of us wishes to leave behind."
According to the IEA's 2 degree Celsius rise scenario, biofuel use will increase to approximately 240 billion liters in 2020, which, when produced sustainably, will lead to a reduction of approximately 0.1 Gt of CO2 emissions in the transport sector.
"The GRFA applauds the IEA for putting the world on notice that it is falling behind with biofuels production," said Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance. "With the threat of climate change growing, it is imperative that we reduce our CO2 emissions with alternatives to crude oil such as biofuels," added Baker.
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, whose members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, whose members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally.
