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The document analyzes the Brazilian transportation sector's shift toward low-carbon pathways, focusing on two key policies: the National Plan on Logistics and Transport (PNLT) and the Pro-Transport programme. While these policies were primarily designed for economic competitiveness and urban mobility rather than climate change, they offer significant greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation co-benefits. The author argues that while national-level logistics infrastructure is easier to fund due to its impact on economic competitiveness, local-level public transport funding remains a challenge. The paper suggests that international cooperation, including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and UNFCCC frameworks, could catalyze these efforts, particularly in electrifying rail and improving urban transit.

The report analyzes China's biofuels sector, focusing on the transition from grain-based ethanol to non-grain feedstocks grown on marginal land. It finds that government subsidies, including direct payments and tax exemptions, are essential for the industry's viability but may undermine food security, increase food prices, and cause environmental degradation. The authors conclude that biofuels have a negligible impact on China's energy security and recommend eliminating direct production subsidies.

The document presents a collection of data points from multiple research organizations arguing that renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) sectors generate more employment per unit of energy or investment than fossil fuels. It highlights national and state-level projections in the US, such as the potential for 4.2 million new green jobs by 2038, and international examples from Germany, Spain, Brazil, and India. Specific technology sectors—including wind, solar, biofuels, and geothermal—are detailed alongside the impact of policy mechanisms like Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and investment tax credits.

The 2007 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) aims to reduce global warming pollution from U.S. transportation fuels by mandating renewable fuel use and requiring life-cycle carbon reductions for new facilities. While it targets a reduction of 6 percent in pollution from cars and light trucks by 2022, the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that a loophole exempting most corn ethanol and the lack of regulation for other fossil fuels could negate these benefits. The document advocates for a low-carbon fuel standard to regulate the entire fuel market.

The report argues that the drive for agrofuels in Latin America is based on a cash-crop model of intensive monocultures that benefits large landowners and international agribusiness while causing widespread deforestation, water shortages, and human rights abuses. In Brazil, sugarcane expansion is linked to slave-like working conditions and the displacement of family farms. Argentina's soy-based biodiesel industry has led to significant deforestation and the concentration of land ownership, with 46% of production controlled by 2.2% of producers. In Colombia, oil palm expansion is associated with paramilitary violence and the forced displacement of Afro-descendant and indigenous communities. Central American countries, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, are increasing production to meet US and EU demand, which the report warns will exacerbate child labour and food insecurity. The document highlights the influence of multilateral banks like the IADB and the World Bank, and corporations such as Cargill and Bunge, in financing and driving this transition.

The report analyzes the 'agrofuel offensive' in Latin America, focusing on Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Central American nations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala). It argues that the rapid expansion of monocultures for biofuels is driven by Northern demand and supported by government subsidies and international finance, leading to widespread deforestation, land concentration, and human rights abuses. Key findings include the use of slave-like labor in Brazilian sugarcane fields, the displacement of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Colombia for palm oil, and the loss of food security as food crops are replaced by energy crops. The document highlights the role of transnational corporations and international financial institutions in funding these developments while local populations face increased poverty and environmental degradation.

The report finds that Malaysia's ambitions to become a global biodiesel producer have been undermined by volatile feedstock prices and the high cost of production relative to petroleum diesel. While the government provided limited support through soft loans and tax incentives, a proposed B5 blending mandate would likely increase the national subsidy burden. The industry's profitability is precarious, relying heavily on exports to the EU and US, where it may benefit from subsidy loopholes. Environmentally, the report argues that the presumed carbon benefits of biodiesel are offset by greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and peatland conversion, while socially, global biofuel demand has contributed to rising food prices.

The report criticizes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for promoting a 'flawed model' of large-scale, export-oriented agrofuels in Latin America and the Caribbean. It argues that these projects, driven by demand from the US and Europe, lead to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human rights abuses, such as violent land grabs in Colombia. The document asserts that agrofuels are not a viable climate solution due to land-use emissions and calls for the IDB to shift funding toward small-scale, local energy projects and truly clean renewables like wind and solar.

The document critiques the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for promoting large-scale biofuel monocultures as a 'clean energy' solution. It argues that these projects, particularly in Brazil and Colombia, lead to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rural displacement while failing to provide significant greenhouse gas reductions. The report calls for a shift toward small-scale, decentralized energy systems that support local food security and rural development.

The report analyzes Australian government support for biofuels, finding that total transfers reached approximately A$ 95 million in 2006–07. It argues that the industry is heavily subsidized compared to other sectors, with effective rates of assistance often exceeding 100%. The authors conclude that these subsidies are not cost-effective for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or displacing fossil fuels, as the cost per tonne of CO2-equivalent avoided is significantly higher than purchasing carbon offsets on international exchanges.

The document assesses the bio-diesel sector in Lao PDR as a means to reduce oil import dependency and create economic opportunities. While the government views biofuels as a tool for climate change mitigation and energy security, the report warns of significant environmental risks, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. It notes the absence of a cohesive national biofuel policy and recommends integrating strategic environmental assessments into policy development and private sector operations.

The testimony argues that broad biofuel mandates, such as those implemented by the European Union, can inadvertently accelerate global warming by driving deforestation and land-use changes to meet feedstock demand. The author warns that using farmland for energy crops displaces food production, leading to the conversion of carbon sinks like forests and wetlands. To avoid these outcomes, the Clean Air Task Force recommends that Massachusetts slow the rush toward broad mandates, develop comprehensive life-cycle analysis tools that account for indirect land-use effects, and prioritize 'niche' feedstocks that do not require substantial farmland, specifically algae, biomass waste, and other waste products.

The document examines the biodiesel sector in Lao PDR, highlighting the government's goal to reduce dependence on imported fuel by designating approximately two million hectares for biofuel feedstock. It identifies jatropha, soybean, and coconut as high-potential crops, with jatropha specifically noted for its ability to grow on marginal land and prevent erosion. While biodiesel offers benefits such as reduced carbon dioxide emissions and energy security, the paper warns of risks including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and threats to food security. It concludes that Lao PDR lacks a cohesive national biofuels policy and recommends integrating strategic environmental assessments into future policy development.

The document evaluates the feasibility of biodiesel in Laos, identifying key feedstocks such as Jatropha, palm oil, and waste cooking oil. It highlights the risks of 'fuel vs food' conflicts and environmental degradation, while noting a lack of specific national biodiesel policies despite general renewable energy goals.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of employment trends in the clean energy sector, contrasting the job-creation potential of renewables and energy efficiency with traditional fossil fuel industries. It highlights specific national and state-level projections in the U.S., international trends in the EU and Brazil, and sector-specific data for wind, solar, biofuels, and geothermal energy, while also noting the decline of coal mining employment.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that while biofuels can reduce transportation emissions, their actual impact varies widely based on feedstock and production methods. The report advocates for 'well-to-wheel' life cycle analysis to prevent the adoption of high-carbon alternatives like liquid coal and to promote advanced cellulosic biofuels. It specifically highlights California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard as a model for federal policy to create market incentives for the lowest-carbon fuels while maintaining environmental safeguards.

The report analyzes the extensive subsidy framework for biofuels in the EU, estimating total transfers at approximately €3.7 billion in 2006. It identifies excise tax exemptions as the primary support mechanism and argues that current subsidies for first-generation biofuels are an expensive and inefficient way to reduce CO2 emissions compared to purchasing carbon offsets. The authors recommend eliminating ethanol tariffs, resisting new blending mandates, and shifting focus toward second-generation biofuels.

The report finds that U.S. government support for biofuels is extensive and inefficient, with total subsidies projected to exceed $92 billion between 2006 and 2012. The largest contributors are volumetric excise tax credits and market price supports driven by renewable fuel mandates. The analysis argues that these subsidies are an expensive way to achieve energy security and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, noting that the cost per tonne of CO2-equivalent displaced is significantly higher than purchasing carbon offsets on climate exchanges. The report warns that pending legislation, such as the Renewable Fuels Standard, could further increase these costs, potentially exceeding $130 billion per year by 2030.

The report examines biofuel subsidies in Australia, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, and the US, finding that government support reached at least US$ 11 billion in 2006. It argues that these measures often fail to cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve energy security while driving up food prices and causing environmental degradation. The author recommends a moratorium on new first-generation biofuel subsidies and a fundamental rethink of the policy rationale.

The report identifies systemic failures by the Wilmar Group to adhere to its own sustainability policies, Indonesian law, and RSPO criteria. Key findings include evidence of intentional land burning for plantation development, the absence of approved Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and the violation of community land rights. The study also highlights misleading sustainability claims made by Wilmar and its financiers, including the IFC, and notes similar patterns of misconduct in other regions including Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and Uganda.