The world faces a daunting combination of climate change, rising energy insecurity and a global economic slowdown. The EU must play a leading role in addressing these global challenges.

In Europe, decarbonising transport fuels is vital. Although progress has been made in other sectors, transport emissions continue to rise and in 2007 represented 19% of EU emissions. Newly developed sources of fossil fuel supplies, such as tar sands, are often significantly more polluting than today’s petrol and diesel fuels. In addition there is growing concern about the carbon intensity of food – especially meat, which accounts for almost a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Solutions are urgently needed, and yet resources to tackle these challenges are limited. We therefore need the most cost-effective solutions that can address the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the EU. Where possible, these solutions should use existing infrastructure, make a positive contribution to energy security, and provide an economic stimulus for green industry and green jobs.

The role of biorefining