Bioenergy and sustainable adaptation to climate change in Africa

Abstract

In this chapter the role of bioenergy for sustainable adaptation to climate change is discussed. The concept of sustainable adaptation is promoted to address the critical need for radical changes in society due to at least three global problems: (1) The huge poverty problems in the world, which should not be accepted as a natural part of society, (2) The consequences of climatic variability and change for individuals, communities and the society as a whole, (3) The critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically, and develop a low-emission-society, as well as a green society that maintains and repairs ecosystems. Production and use of bioenergy are amongst the emerging socio-technical systems that have the potential to address such global challenges. Energy access and strengthened livelihoods for rural populations, in particular, may be important for reducing vulnerability to climate change amongst the poor. However, the variability, contingency and risks in the bioenergy field create uncertainty about its sustainability and opportunities for contributing to climate resilient social and economic development. This chapter will demonstrate how sustainable adaptation to climate change can be applied, and discuss whether and how bioenergy developments can contribute to sustainable adaptation by reducing climate risk and vulnerability or increasing adaptive capacity and resilience, in green and equitable ways.