Biofuel Sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Review of recent Experiences and Future Prospects

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Authors

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region is a leader in global biofuel production, accounting for 27% of supply. This is driven by a proliferation of mandates and targets calling for increased use of biofuels around the world. Unsustainable biofuel production can alter landscapes and stress social-ecological systems. To mitigate impacts, different types of governance mechanisms have been introduced including national regulations, voluntary certification schemes, sustainability standards, meta-standards, and codes of conduct. Voluntary certification has gained prominence in the region, with over 220 producers and processors in 12 LAC countries obtaining certification. However, given the potential social and environmental impacts evident in the region, voluntary certification may be insufficient and stronger sustainability mechanisms may be justified.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBiofuels
Volume5
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)469-485
Number of pages17
ISSN1759-7269
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.09.2014

    Research areas

  • Sustainability sciences, Management & Economics - Environmental impact, Sustainable development, Biofuel production, Future prospects, Governance mechanisms, Latin America and the Caribbean, Latin americans, Social and environmental impact, Social-ecological systems, Voluntary certification