Environmental organizations are pressing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reject biofuels as a low-carbon option for the shipping industry, arguing that their expanded use could worsen deforestation, land grabbing, and climate change. Biofuelwatch and the Global Forest Coalition (GFC), along with 65 other groups, submitted an open letter ahead of the IMO’s upcoming discussions on low-carbon fuel standards.
The letter warned that biofuel expansion, particularly in the Global South, poses significant environmental and social threats. It also called for stricter sustainability criteria to prevent the negative impacts of biofuel production.
Brazil, the world’s second-largest biofuel producer, has emerged as a vocal supporter of biofuels in the shipping sector. The country’s government, eager to position itself as a leader in the industry, will host the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November.
Environmental groups have expressed concern that growing demand for biofuels could lead to increased deforestation and the conversion of agricultural land essential for food production, especially in regions with fragile ecosystems. They urged the IMO to consider alternative, more sustainable solutions for decarbonizing the shipping industry.