Which statement about bioenergy is incorrect?

• A. It can compete for land and water with food crops.
• B. It has no impact on biodiversity.
• C. It may offset benefits due to emissions.
• D. It can raise food prices.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that bioenergy involves trade-offs in land use, water, emissions, and biodiversity. Saying it has no impact on biodiversity isn’t correct. Growing energy crops or converting land to bioenergy can reduce habitat for many species, especially when forests or diverse ecosystems are cleared and replaced with monocultures. Monocultures often support fewer species and can change food webs, pollinator populations, and overall ecosystem health. Management matters, though—some bioenergy setups on degraded lands or integrated with biodiversity-friendly practices can lessen impacts, but the blanket claim that biodiversity isn’t affected is simply not true.

The other statements reflect real considerations. Bioenergy can compete for land and water with food crops because land used for energy crops is land that could grow food, and irrigation or water needs for those crops can compete with other agricultural uses. It may offset benefits due to emissions because the life-cycle carbon balance depends on feedstock, how land is used, and processing methods; if harvesting or land-use changes release CO2, the net savings can be reduced or reversed. It can raise food prices because diverting crops to energy can reduce supply for food and push prices higher.