13
recognizing those relationships (Komiyama and Takeuchi 2006; Clark and Dickson
2003; Kates et al. 2001; Lele 1991). In addition, resolving global agendas by the
application of sustainability science includes the coordination of related
stakeholders.
Although the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) has an influence on the establishment of sustainability science, its role and existence are affected
by the discussion of sustainability science. An extremely significant contribution of
IPCC is its presentation of the impact of global warming as anthropogenic, which
became a united opinion due to the research evidence that the IPCC amassed. That
scientific knowledge has contributed to policy decision-making processes by nations
and international institutions, including the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change). Currently, the role of science has moved from the
clarification of the global warming phenomenon to the building of adaptation and
mitigation strategies for global warming.
Sachs and Reid note that an investment in poverty reduction is critical for environmental policy. Furthermore, they also note that an investment in the environment
is important for the success of poverty alleviation. In addition, they insist that a
global assessment scheme for mutual relationships between poverty alleviation and
environment protection should be established by the United Nations, IPCC and
MEA (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment). They advocate that a global network of
scientists, including environmentalists, economists and social scientists, can inform
policy makers and the general public of the latest scientific findings and that the
network can additionally overcome the opaqueness originating from vested interest
groups by structuring required research freely. Therefore, strategies built on transboundary/transdisciplinary foundations are needed for sustainable development. An
affirmation of Sachs and Reid is believed to be the links among poverty alleviation,
agricultural production, and sustainability science.
2.3 Feature of Biofuels from the Sustainability Science View
Biofuel features are reported in this section from the sustainability science
viewpoint.
Biofuel impacts are spread across a wide area. First, an impact of biofuels on the
economy is noted. Since 2006, “agflation” has become a serious problem all over
the world. It is noted that biofuels are seen as one of the factors contributing to
agflation. Although further research on the relationship between agflation and biofuels is required, it is undeniable that biofuels cause agflation. As a result, many
developing countries are in socio-political dislocation. Some of these countries
regulate food export and agricultural prices. Although those policies tend to be chosen from the view point of food security in these countries, agflation threatens to
shrink the international cereal market and further increase pricing pressure. The
poorest segments of the population experience difficulties obtaining food because
of agflation. As the FAO notes in Food Outlook 2007 (FAO 2008), this situation
2 Approach to Biofuel Issues from the Perspective of Sustainability Science Studies
recognizing those relationships (Komiyama and Takeuchi 2006; Clark and Dickson
2003; Kates et al. 2001; Lele 1991). In addition, resolving global agendas by the
application of sustainability science includes the coordination of related
stakeholders.
Although the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) has an influence on the establishment of sustainability science, its role and existence are affected
by the discussion of sustainability science. An extremely significant contribution of
IPCC is its presentation of the impact of global warming as anthropogenic, which
became a united opinion due to the research evidence that the IPCC amassed. That
scientific knowledge has contributed to policy decision-making processes by nations
and international institutions, including the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change). Currently, the role of science has moved from the
clarification of the global warming phenomenon to the building of adaptation and
mitigation strategies for global warming.
Sachs and Reid note that an investment in poverty reduction is critical for environmental policy. Furthermore, they also note that an investment in the environment
is important for the success of poverty alleviation. In addition, they insist that a
global assessment scheme for mutual relationships between poverty alleviation and
environment protection should be established by the United Nations, IPCC and
MEA (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment). They advocate that a global network of
scientists, including environmentalists, economists and social scientists, can inform
policy makers and the general public of the latest scientific findings and that the
network can additionally overcome the opaqueness originating from vested interest
groups by structuring required research freely. Therefore, strategies built on transboundary/transdisciplinary foundations are needed for sustainable development. An
affirmation of Sachs and Reid is believed to be the links among poverty alleviation,
agricultural production, and sustainability science.
2.3 Feature of Biofuels from the Sustainability Science View
Biofuel features are reported in this section from the sustainability science
viewpoint.
Biofuel impacts are spread across a wide area. First, an impact of biofuels on the
economy is noted. Since 2006, “agflation” has become a serious problem all over
the world. It is noted that biofuels are seen as one of the factors contributing to
agflation. Although further research on the relationship between agflation and biofuels is required, it is undeniable that biofuels cause agflation. As a result, many
developing countries are in socio-political dislocation. Some of these countries
regulate food export and agricultural prices. Although those policies tend to be chosen from the view point of food security in these countries, agflation threatens to
shrink the international cereal market and further increase pricing pressure. The
poorest segments of the population experience difficulties obtaining food because
of agflation. As the FAO notes in Food Outlook 2007 (FAO 2008), this situation
2 Approach to Biofuel Issues from the Perspective of Sustainability Science Studies