Bioenergy crops are energy taken from biomass which consists of wood, manure, or charcoal (biological material.) It has been theorized that there are benefits to bioenergy crops, but this article will explore the risks of cultivating bioenergy crops, which can lead to negative risks for biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biodiversity thrives in their natural ecosystems and altering it can have a significant[GU1]<\/a>\u00a0 impact on the species. Native species that live in forests or forestry sectors in countries rely on the shade, height, or hull of trees for protection. The use of trees for lumber or bioenergy products like wood pellets put<\/a>s[GU2]<\/a>\u00a0 biodiversity at a disadvantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transforming the habitats of native species\ncan leave a pathway open for non-native species. Removing key elements like\ntrees or certain species of plants may deteriorate the protection<\/a>[GU3]<\/a> of native species causing an opening for invasive alien species. Biological invasions affect\ndisease dynamics, goods and services to society, populations, and processes\nwithin ecosystems. Transportation by human dispersal has only exacerbated the\nproblem of biological invasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another risk to growing bioenergy crops is the significant increase in water stress for growing crops over large areas. Furthermore, monoculture energy plantations, irrigation, and fertilizer additions for biomass production could lead to land degradation. The rippling effects of this may result in side effects for desertification, water scarcity, biodiversity, and food insecurity. Taking up land for bioenergy will harm ecosystems, leading to invasive alien species finding pathways to spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While bioenergy crops have advantages, the\ncurrent disadvantage of this practice opens pathways to invasive alien species,\nmore research must be done before it can be considered. There have been\nsuccesses regarding sustainable development and way to mitigate the impact of\ninvasive alien species. In the Caribbean region, plans to revamp biosecurity\nprotocols are already being considered. You are invited to read these two\npolicy briefs, \u2018Improving Biosecurity will Safeguard our Health, Economy and\nIrreplaceable Biodiversity\u2019<\/a>, and \u2018A Sustainable Trust Fund for Managing Invasive Alien Species in the\nCaribbean<\/a>.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural Resources Defense Council<\/a> – New Report\nRecognizes Some Risks of Bioenergy, Misses Others<\/p>\n\n\n\n FAO<\/a> \u2013 Bioenergy<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frontiersin<\/a> – Biological Invasions in Conservation\nPlanning: A Global Systematic Review<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smithsonian<\/a> Environmental Research Center \u2013 Biological\nInvasions<\/p>\n\n\n\n