Global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reject the inclusion of biofuels in its decarbonization strategy for international shipping. As crucial negotiations approach, environmental and Indigenous rights advocates, including groups like Biofuelwatch and the Global Forest Coalition (GFC), call for a commitment to genuinely clean energy alternatives instead. According to Almuth Ernsting from Biofuelwatch, biofuels should not feature in any policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping.
She highlights that increasing biofuel demand inevitably competes for land, pushing agricultural expansion into forests and threatening food production. This situation exacerbates food prices and leads to further environmental degradation, with existing biofuel demands far exceeding what can sustainably be sourced from genuine waste. Biofuels, particularly those derived from crops like palm oil and soy, are notorious for driving deforestation, disrupting ecosystems, and violating human rights.
Safrudin Mahendra of Yayasan Insan Hutan Indonesia warns that biofuel expansion has already led to significant environmental destruction and displacement of Indigenous Peoples. He advocates for sustainable energy solutions that honor ecological and social integrity. Furthermore, biofuels risk extending the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructures by necessitating costly retrofitting of refineries for production.
This diversion of funds hampers the transition to clean energy sources. Oli Munnion from the Global Forest Coalition emphasizes that biofuels distract from necessary climate action and resources could be better spent on solutions like wind-assisted propulsion and electrification. There is also a fraudulent aspect to the biofuel industry, as reports have shown significant mislabeling of products to exploit market demand.
Yusmadi Yusuf from the Aceh Wetland Foundation condemns the promotion of palm oil biodiesel, which accelerates rainforest destruction. Conservation groups and shipping enterprises have raised alarms about these issues, urging the IMO to ensure its climate policies protect forests, communities, and ecosystems. As talks with Member States approach, it is critical for the IMO to reject biofuels and commit to truly sustainable solutions for a responsible future in shipping.