Biomass to biofuel: Impacts and mitigation of environmental, health, and socioeconomic challenges

Biomass-derived biofuels hold immense potential to address global energy demands sustainably while mitigating climate change. However, its environmental, health, and socioeconomic implications present significant challenges that must be addressed comprehensively. This paper bridges existing gaps by providing a holistic review of the impacts and mitigation strategies associated with biofuel production. It presents key concerns, including land-use changes, water depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and health risks. The findings reveal that biomass sources such as wood waste, food waste, microalgae, and energy crops are viable feedstocks, yet their production is constrained by trade-offs like resource competition, water scarcity, and land displacement. Technological advancements, including gasification, pyrolysis, and fermentation, enhance biofuel scalability but require sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. Socioeconomic dimensions, such as rural employment, poverty reduction, and gender disparities, underscore the need for equitable policies to ensure biofuel initiatives uplift vulnerable communities without aggravating inequalities. The paper also emphasizes the alignment of biofuels with several sustainable development goals (SDGs), notably SDG 7 and SDG 13, while identifying trade-offs impacting SDG 2 and SDG 15. Mitigation strategies emphasize integrated land-use planning, biodiversity-friendly practices, and advanced technologies to balance energy production with ecological preservation. The significance of robust policies and local initiatives in building sustainable biofuel systems is highlighted, as biofuels play a vital role in achieving global sustainability goals while addressing associated benefits and challenges.