Biomass in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change, and Business in a Finite World

This policy brief, produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute in partnership with the business leaders' initiative 3C, examines the role of biomass in transitioning to a low-carbon economy by 2035. It argues that while biomass is a promising renewable energy source, it is constrained by physical limits and competing needs for food and materials. The document evaluates four future scenarios, concluding that a 'Sustainability Transition'—which balances climate mitigation with sustainable agricultural productivity—offers the most viable path for economic growth and environmental stability.

• Biomass is a viable but limited resource for a low-carbon economy, constrained by land and water availability, soil productivity, and the necessity of returning biomass to the land to maintain moisture and nutrients. It is not a standalone solution but must be combined with energy efficiency, behavioral changes, and updated industrial and settlement policies.
• The transition to a bio-based economy involves replacing petroleum-derived materials, such as plastics and transportation fuels, with biological carbon sources. However, using biomass does not automatically ensure net zero emissions; land conversion of high carbon density areas can cause a one-time release of carbon, and certain agricultural practices emit methane or nitrous oxide.
• Global bioenergy potential estimates vary wildly, from zero to 1,548 exajoule per year. A subset of analyses suggests a range between 162 and 297 exajoule per year by 2050, representing 33 to 60 per cent of current global energy consumption, though sustainability constraints likely push the actual potential toward the lower end.
• The document analyzes four scenarios for 2035: 'Single Bottom Line' (economic profit focus), 'Meeting the Climate Challenge' (emissions focus), 'Feeding the Planet' (food production focus), and 'Sustainability Transition' (integrated food, energy, and materials focus). The 'Sustainability Transition' is identified as the most beneficial, as it addresses climate issues while boosting food production and spurring business innovation.
• In the 'Sustainability Transition' scenario, biomass for energy would account for 25 per cent of the total supply by 2035, compared to 13 per cent in the 'Meeting the Climate Challenge' scenario. This scenario manages total biomass demand through lower overall energy and meat consumption.
• There is a critical need for public and private agricultural research to close yield gaps and increase yield potential. While genetic modification is one path—with potential for 20 per cent higher photosynthetic efficiency within 25 years—conventional breeding techniques must also be pursued due to environmental uncertainties.
• Investment in agricultural research yields high returns of approximately 20-30 per cent. The payoff period is 8-15 years for the private sector and 15-25 years for the public sector, suggesting a division where public funds handle fundamental research and private funds handle practical application.

APA

Kemp-Benedict, E., Kartha, S., & Fencl, A. (2012). Biomass in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change, and Business in a Finite World. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate-mitigation-adaptation/SEI-PB-2012-3C-Biomass.pdf

Chicago

Kemp-Benedict, Eric, Sivan Kartha, and Amanda Fencl. Biomass in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change, and Business in a Finite World. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2012. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate-mitigation-adaptation/SEI-PB-2012-3C-Biomass.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kemp-Benedict |first1=Eric |last2=Kartha |first2=Sivan |last3=Fencl |first3=Amanda |title=Biomass in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change, and Business in a Finite World |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=2012 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate-mitigation-adaptation/SEI-PB-2012-3C-Biomass.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kempbenedict2012biomass, author = {Kemp-Benedict, Eric and Kartha, Sivan and Fencl, Amanda}, title = {{Biomass in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change, and Business in a Finite World}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2012}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate-mitigation-adaptation/SEI-PB-2012-3C-Biomass.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }