Perspectives on Climate Change, Water and Land Use, Carbon Accumulation, and Effects on Ecosystem after Biofuel Implementation in India

Concerns over the increasing dependence on energy imports and growing emissions owing to demographic and economic factors have led India to adopt alternative forms of renewable and clean energy, especially biofuels. Though biofuel development provides opportunities for energy security and climate change mitigation, the cultivation of energy crops for biofuel has raised concerns due to the demand for fertilizers, pesticides, water, land, its possible impacts on ecosystems, and also rising food or fuel debate. This chapter tries to assess the implications that production and use of bioethanol and biodiesel have caused in India in the past decade through relevant studies. The greater focus that the current government and the IPCC have put on biofuels also demands that we understand both sides of these fuel resources before they are further expanded. Enhanced scientific understanding, supporting policies, and better technology can go a long way in ensuring that the biofuel implementation achieves its intended purpose.