‘Bio-insecurities’: managing demand for potentially invasive plants in the bioeconomy

Ferdinands, Keith B.; Virtue, J. G.; Johnson, S. B.; Setterfield, Samantha A.

doi:10.1016/j.cosust.2011.01.002

Cited by 14 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 34 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Papers from Category IV showed a publication peak in 2011. In that year, a special issue regarding the invasion risks of new crops in the bioeconomy was published in the journal "Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability", from which six papers were reviewed here [38,40,75,[81][82][83]. Three of the 12 publications in Category IV stem from this special issue and are mainly responsible for the peak of five papers in 2011.…”

Section: Category Iv: Negative Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These concerns mainly relate to new crops used for biomass production that can become invasive and, consequently, threaten traditional production systems or natural ecosystems [21,81,83]. Insufficient management of invasion risks, for example, due to uncontrolled cultivation practices, can lead to the spread of the crop species themselves and their associated pests [40,81]. Barney et al [21] point out that the crops envisioned for the bioeconomy will have a high invasion potential: they are required to be highly productive and, thus, harbor few pests and be competitive with other plant species, which are traits often found in invasive species.…”

Section: Category Iv: Negative Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Visions of Sustainability in Bioeconomy Research

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract:The rise of the bioeconomy is usually associated with increased sustainability. However, various controversies suggest doubts about this assumed relationship. The objective of this paper is to identify different visions and the current understanding of the relationship between the bioeconomy and sustainability in the scientific literature by means of a systematic review. After a search in several databases, 87 scientific journal articles were selected for review. Results show that visions about the relationship between bioeconomy and sustainability differ substantially. Four different visions were identified, including: (1) the assumption that sustainability is an inherent characteristic of the bioeconomy; (2) the expectation of benefits under certain conditions; (3) tentative criticism under consideration of potential pitfalls; and (4) the assumption of a negative impact of the bioeconomy on sustainability. There is considerable attention for sustainability in the scientific bioeconomy debate, and the results show that the bioeconomy cannot be considered as self-evidently sustainable. In further research and policy development, good consideration should therefore be given to the question of how the bioeconomy could contribute to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, it is stressed that the bioeconomy should be approached in a more interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary way. The consideration of sustainability may serve as a basis for such an approach.

show abstract

Section: Category Iv: Negative Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Category Iv: Negative Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Visions of Sustainability in Bioeconomy Research

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The protagonists of this strategy argue that the cultivation of GM crops protects the environment by reducing the need for mechanical tillage and pesticide use, increases yield, and permits an eco-efficient agriculture, which is able to ensure global food security [46,73]. Critics of genetic engineering fear environmental risks due to certain features of genetically optimized plants (novel crops) like reduced habitat preferences and pest resistance [37,[78][79][80][81]. The main risks are seen in the possible invasion and introgression of GM-plants into natural ecosystems, the ingestion of toxic substances by humans and animals, allergic reactions to ingredients, or the introduction of new pests.…”

Section: Routes To Increase Agricultural Yieldsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathways to Shape the Bioeconomy

2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract:In view of the increasing depletion of fossil fuel resources, the concept "bioeconomy" aims at the gradual replacement of fossil fuels by renewable feedstock. Seen as a comprehensive societal transition, the bioeconomy is a complex field that includes a variety of sectors, actors, and interests and is related to far-reaching changes in today's production systems. While the objectives pursued-such as reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, ensuring global food security, and increasing the industrial use of biogenic resources-are not generally contentious, there is fierce controversy over the possible pathways for achieving these objectives. Based on a thorough literature review, the article identifies major lines of conflict in the current discourse. Criticism of the prevalent concept refers mainly to the strong focus on technology, the lack of consideration given to alternative implementation pathways, the insufficient differentiation of underlying sustainability requirements, and the inadequate participation of societal stakeholders. Since today it cannot be predicted which pathway will be the most expedient-the one already being taken or one of the others proposed-this paper suggests pursuing a strategy of diversity concerning the approaches to shape the bioeconomy, the funding of research topics, and the involvement of stakeholders.

show abstract

“…Considering the potential expansion of bio-based activities, concerns have been raised about environmental pressures, such as soil erosion, pollution of water sources, and biodiversity loss [48,66]. Other issues include uncertainties regarding greenhouse gas performance, biosecurity, green washing, and invasive species introduced by the use of novel crops [67][68][69]. A lack of indicators, measurements, and concrete actions to ensure the ecological sustainability of the bio-based economy have been identified, even though tools and methodologies, such as life cycle analysis and footprint accounts are sometimes mentioned [53].…”

Section: Environmental Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Route to Sustainability—Prospects and Challenges of the Bio-Based Economy

Bennich

Belyazid

2017

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract:The bio-based economy has been increasingly recognized in the sustainability debate over the last two decades, presented as a solution to a number of ecological and social challenges. Its premises include climate change mitigation, cleaner production processes, economic growth, and new employment opportunities. Yet, a transition to a bio-based economy is hampered by risk factors and uncertainties. In this paper, we explore the concept of a bio-based economy, focusing on opportunities of achieving sustainability, as well as challenges of a transition. Departing from an understanding of sustainability provided by the weak and strong sustainability paradigms, we first outline the definition and development of the bio-based economy from a theoretical perspective. Second, we use Sweden as an example of how a transition towards a bio-based economy has been evolving in practice. The review indicates that the proposed direction and strategies of the bio-based economy are promising, but sometimes contradictory, resulting in different views on the actions needed for its premises to be realized. Additionally, current developments adhere largely to the principles of the weak sustainability paradigm. In order for the bio-based economy to develop in accordance with the notion of strong sustainability, important steps to facilitate a transition would include acknowledging and addressing the trade-offs caused by biophysical and social limits to growth.

show abstract

‘Bio-insecurities’: managing demand for potentially invasive plants in the bioeconomy

Cited by 14 publications

References 34 publications

Visions of Sustainability in Bioeconomy Research

Visions of Sustainability in Bioeconomy Research

Pathways to Shape the Bioeconomy

The Route to Sustainability—Prospects and Challenges of the Bio-Based Economy

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About