Brazilian Biofuel Policy: Challenges to Incorporating Socio-Environmental Criteria

Abstract

Objective: Biofuels have been receiving increasing attention around the world as a result of growing concerns about the security of oil supplies and global climate change. Considering this context, the article aims to analyze the Brazilian biofuels policy (RenovaBio program) in order to propose a summary table of gaps in the consideration of socio-environmental criteria.   Method: Qualitative, descriptive research was carried out, supported by secondary data obtained through bibliographical research.   Results and Discussion: We found that gaps in the incorporation of socio-environmental criteria in RenovaBio are related to the following topics: traceability of inputs and raw materials; sugarcane agroecological zoning (ZAE Cana), measurement of water footprint consumption associated with traceability of raw materials, measurement of emissions resulting from I-MUT and criteria encouraging E2G.   Research Implications: We found that RenovaBio could include the adoption of instruments and practices aimed at agricultural production that are more appropriate to the Brazilian scenario, considering the characteristics of each biome, aiming to include socio-environmental criteria.   Originality/Value: The analysis of socio-environmental criteria that are absent or insufficiently included in public policy contributes to clarify the challenges to be overcome in the biofuels production process marked by the agricultural, industrial and distribution phases.