Berlin, 2 November 2022 – International scientists are calling for global paradigm change to mitigate the consequences of climate change, and to adapt to inescapable climate change outcomes. Strengthened cross-sectoral, international collaboration of biosciences and economic actors would be necessary, supported by all states worldwide. In a statement for the science journal “Nature” (doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-03405-0), the three chairs of the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) reference the current Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which for the first time highlights the value of a biological contribution to the economy.
“The bioeconomy will enhance coordinated action against climate change in all areas of life”, write the chairs of IACGB, Professor Dr Christine Lang (Germany), Dr Julius Ecuru (Kenya), and Dr Elspeth MacRae (New Zealand). They name, among others, agriculture, food, regenerative mining, manufacturing, energy, health care, information and communications technologies, transport and housing. In all of these sectors, the bioeconomy, i.e. the economic use of biological resources and processes, would have a positive impact on the climate and environment. Global policymakers, they say, are now called upon to encourage research and development, as well as international cross-sectoral bioeconomic collaboration. “Such policies will provide a strategic pathway to sustainable and regenerative development, as well as a means of engaging global public and private stakeholders in responding to climate change.”
In view of the UN climate Change Conference COP 27, which will kick off on 6 November in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), the scientists advocate to wider recognize the bioeconomy as an integral part of international climate action and to elevate its critical and overarching role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. In a message to the summit’s delegates, they mention, among others, the opportunity to achieve a low-carbon emissions economy. Biological processes could be used in decarbonisation efforts like carbon capture and storage, or the recycling of fossil-based materials, or to improve energy efficiency. In addition, the bioeconomy might help to better mobilise people to engage in actions which protect the climate, such as urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and responsible consumption.
The International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) is an independent think tank consisting of some forty high-level bioeconomy leaders and experts from all hemispheres. It intends to act as a platform of platforms to facilitate international collaboration and mutual exchange, and aims to develop a sustainable and circular economic system. The IACGB initiates, designs, and organises the Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS), a leading global conference and platform for exchange and discussion of recent bioeconomy developments.
