The study proposes a regional approach to calculating indirect land use change (iLUC). The goal is to determine the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of biofuels brought about by iLUC in a specific region. A regional approach can be based on the conditions specific to the respective region and the data for this region which is contained in country statistics. This makes the results more resilient. It also appears that LUC is mainly caused locally or regionally. Relevant policy scenarios for different regions were calculated with a regional model. The calculations show reliable results. It is possible to introduce such a regional model in regulations for combating iLUC. The analysis of the policy options for combating iLUC shows that a regional approach would have a much more effective steering effect.
Governance of the Earth’s global ecological commons creates unprecedented challenges for humanity. Our traditional Westphalian state system was not designed to respond to these global challenges and thus far it has failed to transform. Climate change is the current headline issue; 30 years on and we still swing between hope and despair about our collective ability to radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Related issues are beginning to vie for our response: ocean acidification, mass species extinction, land use change and freshwater scarcity.
High-resolution spatial modelling of greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change to energy crops in the United Kingdom