Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
7) Critically analyze the policy of enhancing the production and use of biofuels in airplanes, for a carbon neutral growth of the aviation industry.(250 words)
Why this question
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has recently mooted the idea of quickly scaling up the production and use of biofuels for aviation industry. However, the idea has been opposed by many environmentalists. The issue is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading-
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to delve deep into the issue, and identify and discuss the important aspects of the question. We have to deliberate on the pros and cons of such a policy/action and form a personal opinion on the issue, based on our understanding and knowledge on various aspects of the question.
Directive word
Critically analyze- We have to identify the key demand and discuss all the related and important aspects of the question. Here we have to discuss the pros and cons of increasing the use and production of biofuels in the aviation sector. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention the rising aviation emissions and the recent ICAO proposal to scale up the production and use of biofuels for aviation sector. You can also put some statistics related to aviation emissions (e.g Global energy consumption in the transport sector accounted for approximately 2,300 Mtoe in 2009, with 10 % of it consumed by global aviation).
Body–
- Discuss the pros/need for such an action/ policy. E.g advanced liquid have a high specific energy content, growth of aviation sector and consequent fuel demand which must be environmentally sensitive, biofuels do not emit sulfur dioxide, technically it is the only alternate available right now etc.
- Discuss in points the cons/ challenges involved of /in such an action/policy. E.g oxidation and gel formation of biodiesel, damage to hoses and gaskets, presence of harmful bacteria and fungi in biofuel engines, it may drive new deforestation in the name of growing biofuels, it would further expand monoculture plantations, land-grabbing and food price volatility, more biodiversity destruction, more agrochemical use, and pollution of freshwater etc.
Conclusion– based on the above discussion, form a fair and a balanced opinion on the overall issue.
