The Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulosic Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin and Michigan Agricultural Contexts

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ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (813 download)

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Book Synopsis The Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulosic Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin and Michigan Agricultural Contexts by :

Download or read book The Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulosic Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin and Michigan Agricultural Contexts written by and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a commonly used tool for the evaluation of the environmental impacts of the production of a good or service. The application of this tool requires further methodological development to handle the production specifications of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural feedstocks. Allocation methods, transparency and the spatial variability in crop production have all been identified grand challenges in this field. The goal of this research is to examine these challenges in the literature, test their impact on biofuel LCA results, develop and test methods for solutions to these problems and use these methods to conduct an LCA on cellulosic ethanol production. This dissertation first presents a case study on the ability of cellulosic ethanol to meet the United States Renewable Fuel Standard when various allocation methods are applied. Next, a methodological review of recent ethanol production studies is presented with recommendations for standardizing and presenting LCA methods to facilitate study comparison. Finally, a spatially-explicit LCA on the production of cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass and corn stover in southern Wisconsin and Michigan under 104 different combinations of location, agricultural management practices, ethanol production technologies and allocation methods is presented. One major finding of this research is that allocation choices and spatial variation in yields and agricultural emissions can be the deciding factor as to whether a fuel meets a regulatory requirement. Moreover, the allocation method used can limit the influence of agricultural production and mask the effects of spatial variability on the ethanol production LCA. It is recommended that a range of values be presented instead of single environmental impact results. Another major conclusion of this research is that transparency in the presentation of LCA methods is still lacking in the literature and this impedes the direct environmental impact comparison of the many available transportation fuel choices. This research develops the LCA of biofuels field by examining LCA methodology, proposing means to facilitate the comparison of studies, demonstrating that spatial variability can be accounted for in LCA and testing the effects of such variability in concert with allocation choices for their combined influence on environmental outcomes.

Corn Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin Agricultural Context

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ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 122 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (89 download)

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Book Synopsis Corn Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin Agricultural Context by : Julie C. Sinistore

Download or read book Corn Ethanol Production in the Wisconsin Agricultural Context written by Julie C. Sinistore and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Comparative Life Cycle Assessments for Biomass to Ethanol Production from Different Regional Feedstocks

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 366 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (529 download)

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Book Synopsis Comparative Life Cycle Assessments for Biomass to Ethanol Production from Different Regional Feedstocks by : Amber J. Kemppainen

Download or read book Comparative Life Cycle Assessments for Biomass to Ethanol Production from Different Regional Feedstocks written by Amber J. Kemppainen and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309260329
Total Pages : 247 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States by : National Research Council

Download or read book Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-01-18 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Fuel from Farms

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ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 180 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (31 download)

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Book Synopsis Fuel from Farms by : Solar Energy Information Data Bank (U.S.)

Download or read book Fuel from Farms written by Solar Energy Information Data Bank (U.S.) and published by . This book was released on 1980 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Decision to produce; Markets and uses; Market assessment; Prodution potential; Equipment selection; Financial requirements; Decision and planning workssheets; Basic ethanol production; Preparation of feedstocks, Fermentation; Distillation; Types of feedstocks; Coproduct yields; Agronomic considerations; Plant design; Overall plant considerations; Process control; Representative ethanol plant; Maintenance checklist; Business plan; Analysis of financial requirements; Organizational form; Financing; Case study; Summary of legislation; Bureau of alcohol, tabacco, and firearms permit information; Enviromental considerations.

Life-Cycle Assessment of Biorefineries

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Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0444635866
Total Pages : 324 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (446 download)

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Book Synopsis Life-Cycle Assessment of Biorefineries by : Edgard Gnansounou

Download or read book Life-Cycle Assessment of Biorefineries written by Edgard Gnansounou and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2016-12-20 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life-Cycle Assessment of Biorefineries, the sixth and last book in the series on biomass-biorefineries discusses the unprecedented growth and development in the emerging concept of a global bio-based economy in which biomass-based biorefineries have attained center stage for the production of fuels and chemicals. It is envisaged that by 2020 a majority of chemicals currently being produced through a chemical route will be produced via a bio-based route. Agro-industrial residues, municipal solid wastes, and forestry wastes have been considered as the most significant feedstocks for such bio-refineries. However, for the techno-economic success of such biorefineries, it is of prime and utmost importance to understand their lifecycle assessment for various aspects. Provides state-of-art information on the basics and fundamental principles of LCA for biorefineries Contains key features for the education and understanding of integrated biorefineries Presents models that are used to cope with land-use changes and their effects on biorefineries Includes relevant case studies that illustrate main points

Renewable Fuel Standard

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309187516
Total Pages : 416 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Renewable Fuel Standard by : National Research Council

Download or read book Renewable Fuel Standard written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2012-01-29 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the United States, we have come to depend on plentiful and inexpensive energy to support our economy and lifestyles. In recent years, many questions have been raised regarding the sustainability of our current pattern of high consumption of nonrenewable energy and its environmental consequences. Further, because the United States imports about 55 percent of the nation's consumption of crude oil, there are additional concerns about the security of supply. Hence, efforts are being made to find alternatives to our current pathway, including greater energy efficiency and use of energy sources that could lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as nuclear and renewable sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels. The United States has a long history with biofuels and the nation is on a course charted to achieve a substantial increase in biofuels. Renewable Fuel Standard evaluates the economic and environmental consequences of increasing biofuels production as a result of Renewable Fuels Standard, as amended by EISA (RFS2). The report describes biofuels produced in 2010 and those projected to be produced and consumed by 2022, reviews model projections and other estimates of the relative impact on the prices of land, and discusses the potential environmental harm and benefits of biofuels production and the barriers to achieving the RFS2 consumption mandate. Policy makers, investors, leaders in the transportation sector, and others with concerns for the environment, economy, and energy security can rely on the recommendations provided in this report.

Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases

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Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 012386898X
Total Pages : 602 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (238 download)

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Book Synopsis Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases by : Mark Liebig

Download or read book Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases written by Mark Liebig and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2012-10-16 with total page 602 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Global climate change is a natural process that currently appears to be strongly influenced by human activities, which increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG). Agriculture contributes about 20% of the world’s global radiation forcing from carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, and produces 50% of the methane and 70% of the nitrous oxide of the human-induced emission. Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases synthesizes the wealth of information generated from the GRACEnet (Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network) effort with contributors from a variety of backgrounds, and reports findings with important international applications. Frames responses to challenges associated with climate change within the geographical domain of the U.S., while providing a useful model for researchers in the many parts of the world that possess similar ecoregions Covers not only soil C dynamics but also nitrous oxide and methane flux, filling a void in the existing literature Educates scientists and technical service providers conducting greenhouse gas research, industry, and regulators in their agricultural research by addressing the issues of GHG emissions and ways to reduce these emissions Synthesizes the data from top experts in the world into clear recommendations and expectations for improvements in the agricultural management of global warming potential as an aggregate of GHG emissions

A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 030930783X
Total Pages : 340 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System by : National Research Council

Download or read book A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-06-17 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How we produce and consume food has a bigger impact on Americans' well-being than any other human activity. The food industry is the largest sector of our economy; food touches everything from our health to the environment, climate change, economic inequality, and the federal budget. From the earliest developments of agriculture, a major goal has been to attain sufficient foods that provide the energy and the nutrients needed for a healthy, active life. Over time, food production, processing, marketing, and consumption have evolved and become highly complex. The challenges of improving the food system in the 21st century will require systemic approaches that take full account of social, economic, ecological, and evolutionary factors. Policy or business interventions involving a segment of the food system often have consequences beyond the original issue the intervention was meant to address. A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System develops an analytical framework for assessing effects associated with the ways in which food is grown, processed, distributed, marketed, retailed, and consumed in the United States. The framework will allow users to recognize effects across the full food system, consider all domains and dimensions of effects, account for systems dynamics and complexities, and choose appropriate methods for analysis. This report provides example applications of the framework based on complex questions that are currently under debate: consumption of a healthy and safe diet, food security, animal welfare, and preserving the environment and its resources. A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System describes the U.S. food system and provides a brief history of its evolution into the current system. This report identifies some of the real and potential implications of the current system in terms of its health, environmental, and socioeconomic effects along with a sense for the complexities of the system, potential metrics, and some of the data needs that are required to assess the effects. The overview of the food system and the framework described in this report will be an essential resource for decision makers, researchers, and others to examine the possible impacts of alternative policies or agricultural or food processing practices.

Biofuels, Land Grabbing and Food Security in Africa

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Publisher : Zed Books Ltd.
ISBN 13 : 1848138814
Total Pages : 255 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (481 download)

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Book Synopsis Biofuels, Land Grabbing and Food Security in Africa by : Prosper B. Matondi

Download or read book Biofuels, Land Grabbing and Food Security in Africa written by Prosper B. Matondi and published by Zed Books Ltd.. This book was released on 2011-06-09 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The issue of biofuels has already been much debated, but the focus to date has largely been on Latin America and deforestation - this highly original work breaks fresh ground in looking at the African perspective. Most African governments see biofuels as having the potential to increase agricultural productivity and export incomes and thus strengthen their national economies, improving energy balances and rural employment. At the same time climate change may be addressed through reduction of green house gas emissions. There are, however, a number of uncertainties mounting that challenge this scenario. Using cutting-edge empirical case studies, this knowledge gap is addressed in a variety of chapters examining the effects of large-scale biofuel production on African agriculture. In particular, 'land grabbing' and food security issues are scrutinised, both of which have become vital topics in regard to the environmental and developmental governance of African countries. A revealing book for anyone wishing to understand the startling impact of biofuels and land grabbing on Africa.

Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309484529
Total Pages : 511 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-04-08 with total page 511 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To achieve goals for climate and economic growth, "negative emissions technologies" (NETs) that remove and sequester carbon dioxide from the air will need to play a significant role in mitigating climate change. Unlike carbon capture and storage technologies that remove carbon dioxide emissions directly from large point sources such as coal power plants, NETs remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or enhance natural carbon sinks. Storing the carbon dioxide from NETs has the same impact on the atmosphere and climate as simultaneously preventing an equal amount of carbon dioxide from being emitted. Recent analyses found that deploying NETs may be less expensive and less disruptive than reducing some emissions, such as a substantial portion of agricultural and land-use emissions and some transportation emissions. In 2015, the National Academies published Climate Intervention: Carbon Dioxide Removal and Reliable Sequestration, which described and initially assessed NETs and sequestration technologies. This report acknowledged the relative paucity of research on NETs and recommended development of a research agenda that covers all aspects of NETs from fundamental science to full-scale deployment. To address this need, Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration: A Research Agenda assesses the benefits, risks, and "sustainable scale potential" for NETs and sequestration. This report also defines the essential components of a research and development program, including its estimated costs and potential impact.

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309148960
Total Pages : 598 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century by : National Research Council

Download or read book Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-07-25 with total page 598 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the last 20 years, there has been a remarkable emergence of innovations and technological advances that are generating promising changes and opportunities for sustainable agriculture, yet at the same time the agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges. Not only is the agricultural sector expected to produce adequate food, fiber, and feed, and contribute to biofuels to meet the needs of a rising global population, it is expected to do so under increasingly scarce natural resources and climate change. Growing awareness of the unintended impacts associated with some agricultural production practices has led to heightened societal expectations for improved environmental, community, labor, and animal welfare standards in agriculture. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century assesses the scientific evidence for the strengths and weaknesses of different production, marketing, and policy approaches for improving and reducing the costs and unintended consequences of agricultural production. It discusses the principles underlying farming systems and practices that could improve the sustainability. It also explores how those lessons learned could be applied to agriculture in different regional and international settings, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on a systems approach to improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, this book can have a profound impact on the development and implementation of sustainable farming systems. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, farmers, experts in food production and agribusiness, and federal regulatory agencies.

Biochar for Environmental Management

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136571213
Total Pages : 449 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (365 download)

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Book Synopsis Biochar for Environmental Management by : Johannes Lehmann

Download or read book Biochar for Environmental Management written by Johannes Lehmann and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-05-16 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biochar is the carbon-rich product when biomass (such as wood, manure or crop residues) is heated in a closed container with little or no available air. It can be used to improve agriculture and the environment in several ways, and its stability in soil and superior nutrient-retention properties make it an ideal soil amendment to increase crop yields. In addition to this, biochar sequestration, in combination with sustainable biomass production, can be carbon-negative and therefore used to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with major implications for mitigation of climate change. Biochar production can also be combined with bioenergy production through the use of the gases that are given off in the pyrolysis process. This book is the first to synthesize the expanding research literature on this topic. The book's interdisciplinary approach, which covers engineering, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, economics and policy, is a vital tool at this stage of biochar technology development. This comprehensive overview of current knowledge will be of interest to advanced students, researchers and professionals in a wide range of disciplines.

Principles of Agricultural Economics

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136779000
Total Pages : 369 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (367 download)

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Book Synopsis Principles of Agricultural Economics by : Andrew Barkley

Download or read book Principles of Agricultural Economics written by Andrew Barkley and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-03-05 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book showcases the power of economic principles to explain and predict issues and current events in the food, agricultural, agribusiness, international trade, natural resources and other sectors. The result is an agricultural economics textbook that provides students and instructors with a clear, up-to-date, and straightforward approach to learning how a market-based economy functions, and how to use simple economic principles for improved decision making. While the primary focus of the book is on microeconomic aspects, agricultural economics has expanded over recent decades to include issues of macroeconomics, international trade, agribusiness, environmental economics, natural resources, and international development. Hence, these topics are also provided with significant coverage.

Green, Closed Loop, Circular Bio-Economy

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Publisher : MDPI
ISBN 13 : 3036502106
Total Pages : 288 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (365 download)

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Book Synopsis Green, Closed Loop, Circular Bio-Economy by : Charisios Achillas

Download or read book Green, Closed Loop, Circular Bio-Economy written by Charisios Achillas and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2021-03-04 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, bioeconomy strategies have been implemented and adapted internationally. In the bioeconomy, materials are to a certain extent circular by nature. However, biomaterials may also be used in a rather linear way. Lately, a transition towards a circular economy, a more restorative and regenerative economic model, is being promoted worldwide. A circular economy offers an alternative model aiming at “doing more and better with less”. It is based on the idea that circulating matter and energy will diminish the need for new input. Its concept lies in maintaining the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible and at the same time minimizing or even eliminating the amount of waste produced. Focused on “closing the loops”, a circular economy is a practical solution for promoting entrepreneurial sustainability, economic growth, environmental resilience, and a better quality of life for all. The most efficient way to close resource loops is to find value in the waste. Different modes of resource circulation may be applied, e.g., raw materials, by-products, human resources, logistics, services, waste, energy, or water. To that end, this Special Issue seeks to contribute to the circular bioeconomy agenda through enhanced scientific and multidisciplinary knowledge to boost the performance efficiency of circular business models and support decision-making within the specific field. The Special Issue includes innovative technical developments, reviews, and case studies, all of which are relevant to green, closed-loop, circular bioeconomy.

Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309452058
Total Pages : 231 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-07-28 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Between 1973 and 2016, the ways to manipulate DNA to endow new characteristics in an organism (that is, biotechnology) have advanced, enabling the development of products that were not previously possible. What will the likely future products of biotechnology be over the next 5â€"10 years? What scientific capabilities, tools, and/or expertise may be needed by the regulatory agencies to ensure they make efficient and sound evaluations of the likely future products of biotechnology? Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology analyzes the future landscape of biotechnology products and seeks to inform forthcoming policy making. This report identifies potential new risks and frameworks for risk assessment and areas in which the risks or lack of risks relating to the products of biotechnology are well understood.

Sustainability and the U.S. EPA

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309212529
Total Pages : 162 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainability and the U.S. EPA by : National Research Council

Download or read book Sustainability and the U.S. EPA written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-10-08 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainability is based on a simple and long-recognized factual premise: Everything that humans require for their survival and well-being depends, directly or indirectly, on the natural environment. The environment provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Recognizing the importance of sustainability to its work, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working to create programs and applications in a variety of areas to better incorporate sustainability into decision-making at the agency. To further strengthen the scientific basis for sustainability as it applies to human health and environmental protection, the EPA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to provide a framework for incorporating sustainability into the EPA's principles and decision-making. This framework, Sustainability and the U.S. EPA, provides recommendations for a sustainability approach that both incorporates and goes beyond an approach based on assessing and managing the risks posed by pollutants that has largely shaped environmental policy since the 1980s. Although risk-based methods have led to many successes and remain important tools, the report concludes that they are not adequate to address many of the complex problems that put current and future generations at risk, such as depletion of natural resources, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Moreover, sophisticated tools are increasingly available to address cross-cutting, complex, and challenging issues that go beyond risk management. The report recommends that EPA formally adopt as its sustainability paradigm the widely used "three pillars" approach, which means considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of an action or decision. Health should be expressly included in the "social" pillar. EPA should also articulate its vision for sustainability and develop a set of sustainability principles that would underlie all agency policies and programs.