Topic: Energy; Food security
4) Bioenergy is the largest used renewable energy source in the world. Discuss the progress made in the use of bioenergy and challenges presented by bioenergy to food security. (250 Words)
Why this question?
Very important concept that combines two topics in the syllabus. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
First, discuss types of bioenergy and progress made in its use. Second, how bioenergy is posing challenges to food security.
Directive Word:
Discuss: question itself has two dimensions, in addition briefly discuss other dimensions such as suggestions etc.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write 2-3 lines about the paradox of having hunger on one side and need for finding cleaner fuels to mitigate climate change.
Define bioenergy.
In the body, there should be TWO mains part: one to discuss progress made in bioenergy – types, their magnitude etc. In the Second part, write about challenges posed by bioenergy to food security around the world. Write about India related points too. Here, in the second part, divide it further into sub-categories such as impact on food prices, land use, environment, cropping pattern etc.
In the conclusion, write on the need for prioritising food over fuels. Or write any other thoughtful conclusion.
TIP: Data is very important in these kind of questions. Collect data related toe energy, hunger etc and try to correlate them.
