Title

Biofuels: Need, Land, Carbon, and Development

Time

1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m

Location

1605 Tilia, Room 1103, West Village

Abstract

Two of the most important challenges facing those alive today are smoothly navigating a transition from reliance on resource capital to reliance on resource income, and alleviating poverty.  Transformative changes in energy supply will be required to address both of these challenges, with the “second half “ of low carbon electricity and transportation supply particularly difficult to achieve. Although controversial, many foresee that energy from plant biomass will be needed to address these interlinked challenges. Perspectives and recent research will be presented on the need for bioenergy and biofuels, land availability, low carbon bioenergy supply chains and related accounting issues, and the role of bioenergy in development.

Biographical Sketch

Lee Lynd is the Paul and Joan Queneau Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Adjunct Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College, Focus Area Leader for Biomass Deconstruction and Conversion at the US Department of Energy Bioenergy Science Center, Executive Committee Chairman of the Global Sustainable Bioenergy Project, and Co-Founder and Director of Mascoma and Enchi Corporations.  He is a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, and recipient of the Lemelson-MIT Sustainability Prize for inventions and innovations that enhance economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment, the Charles D. Scott award for distinguished contributions to the field of biotechnology for fuels and chemicals, and two-time recipient of a Charles A. Lindbergh grant in recognition of effrts to promote a balance between environmental preservation and technological advancement.