Minimizing trade-offs and maximizing synergies for a just bioeconomy transition

Abstract

The transition to a bioeconomy holds promise for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing sustainable development but also presents complex challenges. This perspectives article critically examines the environmental, social, and economic implications of shifting from fossil-based to bio-based resources, addressing key concerns such as land use competition, biodiversity loss, and social equity. Rising biomass demand poses sustainability risks, especially for the Global South, where it may exacerbate food insecurity and ecosystem degradation. Without careful management, this transition could lead to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased carbon emissions, undermining its intended benefits. To navigate these challenges, the article outlines pathways for an inclusive and sustainable bioeconomy transition. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate diverse knowledge systems and values to ensure the equitable distribution of benefits and risks. Policymakers should adopt governance frameworks that align sustainable development goals with local realities, fostering a just transition that mitigates socioecological challenges while maximizing long-term sustainability.