Energy Resources & Consumption

Ethanol yields are unpredictable due to variable annual corn harvests affected by changing climate conditions alone.

Corn-based ethanol is highly efficient but lacks government subsidies needed to be financially viable against other forms of energy.

The high input energy requirements for growing corn and processing it into ethanol outweighs its moderate output energy gain upon combustion.

The increasing efficiency in solar panel technology diverts investments away from biofuel research and development efforts significantly.

Increased biomass energy production due to decreased water requirements.

Enhanced sustainability of biomass energy during periods of drought

Reduced demand for electricity during the drought

Decreased availability of biomass resources for energy production

Algal biofuels emit more greenhouse gases during combustion than fossil fuels.

Algae have high growth rates and can produce large amounts of oil per acre.

Algae cultivation relies heavily on genetically modified organisms posing ethical concerns.

Algae require extensive land usage disrupting local ecosystems similar to traditional agriculture.

It produces more greenhouse gases when combusted

Its carbon content doesn't contribute at all to atmospheric CO2 levels

It takes millions of years to regenerate once consumed

It's considered carbon-neutral when sustainably sourced and burned efficiently

Water table depletion if irrigated extensively or grown in arid regions

Increased groundwater recharge through enhanced infiltration by deep-rooted perennials

Increase rainfall patterns due to evapotranspiration coming from expansive planted areas

Reduction in surface runoff and erosion through improved soil structure by root systems

It enhances nutrient cycling by increasing the amount of decomposing organic matter on the forest floor.

Woody biomass extraction creates space for new growth, which promotes genetic diversity among tree species.

It can reduce carbon sequestration capabilities and disrupt water cycles.

Overharvesting increases forest albedo, reducing local temperatures and improving climate regulation services.

Nitrification

Photolysis

Fermentation

Ammonification

Improved water quality resulting from less oil drilling and extraction activities

Less air pollution relative to burning coal due to cleaner combustion processes

Reductions in carbon footprint due to crops absorbing CO2 during growth

Increased competition for cropland leading to higher food prices or food scarcity

The increase in pollinator populations around sugarcane plantations overwhelms local ecosystems, disrupting pollination patterns for other plants.

Very high biodegradability of sugarcane waste products frequently results in lower pollution compared with other agricultural activities, leading to minimal environmental concerns.

Increased water usage for irrigation can lead to local aquifer depletion and reduced water availability for other purposes.

Sugarcane fields exhale large amounts of oxygen during daytime photosynthesis, which might cause imbalances in atmospheric oxygen levels.

Sample size determination

Control group establishment

System boundaries definition

Statistical analysis software used