Author Description

This book highlights biomass energy options in India which promote land reclamation, local employment, and self-reliance - as well as reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and dependence on oil imports. The authors analyse the sources, end uses, and socio-economic and environmental impacts of biomass energy; suggest measures for promoting sustainable yields, biodiversity, and community involvement in biomass production systems; describe some of the financial and policy barriers; and present strategies for the promotion of bioenergy. They show that land is not a constraint for growing woody biomass, even in a densely populated country such as India, and that appropriate institutional and financial policies can promote the large-scale application of bioenergy in developing countries committed to sustainable and equitable development. Biomass, energy, and environment demonstrates the potential of modernized biomass to meet the fuel and electricity requirements of India's rural population and indicates the potential for biomass in other developing countries, many of which are richer in bioresources than India. It will be of special interest to all those involved in deciding and implementing development, energy, land-use, and environmental policies.