Kirshner, Joshua Daniel orcid.org/0000-0002-6860-4287, Brown, Eleanor Joanne orcid.org/0000-0003-4987-801X, Dunlop, Lynda orcid.org/0000-0002-0936-8149 et al. (6 more authors) (2022) “A future beyond sugar”:Examining second-generation biofuel pathways in Alagoas, northeast Brazil. Environmental Development. 100739. ISSN 2211-4645
Abstract
In this article, we examine an early example of lignocellulosic, or second-generation (2G), ethanol production amid wider efforts to address concerns over harmful socio-environmental effects of the bioethanol sector. Focusing on a bioethanol-from-cellulose refinery in Alagoas, northeast Brazil, and recent efforts in the region to enroll alternative sources such as eucalyptus as feedstock, our findings underscore the continued importance of primary crops as inputs for new enzyme development for 2G production, with potential to intensify monoculture agriculture pathways in Alagoas and other sites of expansion. Accordingly, we highlight the value of transdisciplinary approaches to shape the early stages of scientific research into novel enzyme applications, including the selection of potential new crops for feedstocks, their local socio-environmental consequences, and their wider linkages in a global agrarian economy. We argue that determining which, if any, varieties of biomass are best suited for enzyme development entails seeking the input of multiple stakeholders and sources of knowledge to avoid reproducing socioeconomic inequalities and injustices or endangering local environments.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 The Authors |
Keywords: | Sustainable energy transitions,Biofuels,Brazil,Second-generation bioethanol,Energy geographies |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Environment and Geography (York) The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Education (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Social Policy and Social Work (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Chemistry (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 14 Sep 2022 09:00 |
Last Modified: | 30 May 2025 23:11 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2022.100739 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.envdev.2022.100739 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:190999 |
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Description: “A future beyond sugar”: Examining second-generation biofuel pathways in Alagoas, northeast Brazil
Licence: CC-BY-NC-ND 2.5