Presentation by Patricia Osseweijer, TU Delft at the BIO-TIC final conference 'From Bugs to Business: Unlocking the Bioeconomy in Europe'

1. Patricia Osseweijer
Integrating social sciences with BBE technology
Department Biotechnology
BE-Basic Flagships ‘embedding BBE in society’
& ‘policy, economy and sustainability’

2. Some provoking thoughts…..

3. 3Challenge the future
Climate change is real…

4. Atmospheric CO2 is now higher than it’s been for
650,000 years and increasing rapidly
This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice
cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that
atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. (Source: NOAA)
CO2 level as of February 28, 2015
400.26 ppm
Doubling
in 50 yrs
Doubling
in 50 yrs

5. Rate of change
1. time window of a few decades !
2. Linked climate and economic impacts
3. 80% of GHG emissions already locked in existing capital stock
4. 2oC goal: < 1/3 of proven fossil reserves can be consumed
before 2050 (significant capital and revenue loss)
5. 70-95 bn US$ in global annual adaptation costs
6. Impact investment required: $ 1..2 trillion in next decade
7. Pension funds : US $ 20 trillion, NL (EUR) 1 trillion
8. Significant impact / investment opportunity – domestic & global
where & how does “Biobased” come in ?
*Eric Fernandez, WB, Luuk van der Wielen, BE-Basic

6. Bioenergy

7. food and energy insecurities still affect nearly one billion people
75 % live in rural areas, where fertile land is available
Coincides with unsustainable traditional use of biomass
Traditional use of biomass
Majority available land in areas where technology
can improve sustainable practices

8. Food insecurity is directly related to poverty
• One out of two children live in poverty -> growing population
Eradication of poverty is key for sustainability
This requires science, technology, investment and equal distribution
Sustainable bioenergy production can stimulate
rural development; provide employment, infrastructure, energy
security and social development

9. Inaction is not an option
Going on as we do will
Deteriorate our environment
Increase north-south divide
Increase natural disasters
Increase Food insecurity
 A sustainable world depends on social development
 The precautionary principle is not a valid nor an ethical choice
 We need better communication to avoid misperceptions
 We need new governance, policies and business models that
stimulate integral sustainable agriculture for food and energy

10. SCOPE-FAPESP-BE-BASIC
Reporting a global assessment of
Bioenergy & Sustainability
137 experts from 24 countries
Bioenergy now
Bioenergy expansion
Energy security
Food security
Environmental and climate
security
Sustainable development and
Innovation
The much needed science
Developed and developing regions
Numbers, cases, issues, solutions
779-page Ebook
Download at http://bioenfapesp.org

11. Launch of SCOPE-FAPESP
Bioenergy & Sustainability
Policy Brief
17 June 2015, Brussels
Download at http://bioenfapesp.org

12. • Innovation policy for Industrial Biotechnology
• Examples of environmental, economic & social
benefits across sectors in EU
• Debate on access to biomass & access to finance
• Networking
• Practical measures to overcome hurdles