Digital Commons Network^™

Potential Impacts Of Biomass Production In The United States On Biological Diversity, James H. Cook, Jan Beyea, Kathleen H. Keeler

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Biomass could be a renewable source of energy and chemicals that would not add CO₂ to the atmosphere. It will become economically competitive as its cost decreases relative to energy costs, and biotechnology is expected to accelerate this trend by increasing biomass productivity. Pressure to slow global warming may also make biomass more attractive. Substantial dependence on biomass would entail massive changes in land use, risking serious reductions in biodiversity through destruction of habitat for native species. Forests could be managed and harvested more intensively, and virtually all arable land unsuitable for high-value agriculture or silviculture might be used …