What Was Once a Weed Could Fuel Jet Engines
What Was Once a Weed Could Fuel Jet Engines The Wall Street Journal
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Could Growing Weeds Help Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
Introduction
Field pennycress, a plant in the Brassica family, is being cultivated as a source for renewable diesel or sustainable aviation fuel. With its high oil content, field pennycress is a promising alternative to traditional biofuel sources like corn and soybeans.
Addressing Global Food Shortages
As the demand for green fuels rises, there is a need for low-carbon fuels that do not compete with food sources. Field pennycress, also known as CoverCress, is one of three nonfood cover crops that have received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These crops, including Nuseed Carinata and camelina, can be grown during the winter fallow period and help prevent erosion while providing a source of renewable fuel.
Industry Support and Benefits to Farmers
Major oil companies like BP, Bayer, Chevron, and Bunge have shown interest in these nonfood cover crops. By growing these crops between main crop rotations, farmers can limit damage like deforestation. However, convincing farmers to grow these crops can be challenging due to concerns about loss of control and potential delays in planting cash crops.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The aviation industry is among the sectors driving the demand for biofuels. SAF is still in its early stages, but it is crucial for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Cover crops have the potential to contribute to almost carbon-neutral fuel, making them an exciting prospect for the industry.
Limitations and the Need for Diversity
While cover crops like field pennycress, camelina, and Nuseed Carinata show promise, they alone cannot meet the growing demand for biofuels. A diverse range of sources will be needed to ramp up SAF production in the future.
Conclusion
Although these nonfood cover crops are not a magic bullet, they can play a significant role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Further research and development are necessary to maximize their potential.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil erosion | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article mentions the potential threat of global food shortages due to the increasing demand for green fuels. This connects to SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel from nonfood sources. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article highlights the development of nonfood cover crops and the involvement of major oil companies in the production of biofuels. This relates to SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the use of biofuels as a way to decarbonize the aviation industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This connects to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the cultivation of nonfood cover crops as a way to prevent erosion and restore degraded land. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Under SDG 2: Zero Hunger, the specific target that can be identified is Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems. This target focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices and resilient agricultural systems to ensure food security and nutrition.
Under SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, the specific target that can be identified is Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This target aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as biofuels, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, no specific target is mentioned in the article.
Under SDG 13: Climate Action, no specific target is mentioned in the article.
Under SDG 15: Life on Land, the specific target that can be identified is Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil erosion. This target focuses on preventing and reversing land degradation, including soil erosion, through sustainable land management practices.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wsj.com
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