Assessing the implications of new scientific findings

The conversion of biomass into bioenergy is a significant development affecting climate protection, nutrition and sustainable land use. A Leopoldina statement compiled by an interdisciplinary team of experts focussing on the opportunities and limits of bioenergy, due to be published in July 2012, investigates the sustainability of biomass use.

Identifying research needs

The new statement on using biomass to generate electricity focuses on new ways of converting biomass into energy. It also presents the processes best suited to producing hydrogen from biological matter.

Encouraging debate among policymakers and the public

The public tends to view the subject of climate change as being extremely complex and often contradictory. Is it possible to prove that humans cause climate change? How will the climate develop in future? Is manipulating the climate a viable alternative? The Leopoldina is planning to release a statement offering answers to these and other pressing questions.