Fundamental Biochemical and Biotechnological Principles of Biomass Growth and Use 9
Table 1.9Annual CO 2 emission from various fossil
feedstock (million tons; 2012) (Marland, Boden, and
Andres, 2007; Olivieret al.,2014).
Mineral
oil
Natural
gas Coal Sum
CO 2 emission 14,500 6840 13,160 34,500
Carbon content 4000 1900 3500 9400
leads to CO 2 (molecular mass 44 g mol−^1 ), which is emitted into the atmosphere; 27.3%
of it is carbon (Table 1.9).
As atmospheric CO 2 reduces global infrared emission into space the consumption
of fossil resources has a warming effect on the atmosphere, which is broadly agreed to
contribute to man-made (anthropogenic) climate change. Due to the already occurred
emission an increase in global temperature by 1.3∘C seems unavoidable in the long
run of which 0.8∘C increase is already proven (because of the climate system’s inertia
it is a slow process). However, to limit global warming to 2∘CCO 2 emission should
not exceed a cumulative volume of 750,000 million tons till 2050 (Wicke, Schellnhuber,
and Klingefeld, 2012). This is equivalent to only 21 years of current emission activity of
34,500 million tons. Already the common people are affected by the climate change by
sea-level rise in Bangladesh, desertification in Spain, and drought in the United States.
Climate change is one of the most pressing current issues forcing governments and
industries to reduce the consumption of fossil resources.
1.2.5 Regional Pillars of Competitiveness
When looking on the global map of fossil resources, it is interesting to note that the
sites of deposits and production (Middle East, North America, Russia) are mostly not
identical with the sites of processing (Figure 1.1). For example, Belgium, Germany, and
Netherlands are among the five biggest global chemical regions. Because this region
depends on importing oil, it is called after its harbors and rivers which, however, not only
serve as the logistics backbone but also as production sites: ARRR (Antwerp, Rotterdam,
Rhine, Ruhr).
Although it must be considered that the starting point of industrial activities in
this region has been the availability of coal and a little fossil oil the ongoing success
of its industries does not depend on feedstock directly on site. More relevant is an
efficient regional logistics system for high-volume feedstock imports and processed
goods exports through railroad, pipeline, and river and sea transport. Other equally
relevant pillars of competitiveness are academic research and education facilities,
skilled workforce, effective governmental and public administrative institutions, and
last but not least public acceptance.
How the integration of these factors leads to the innovation leap of successful
industries producing marketable goods, creating jobs, and inducing a real innovation
cycle with a continuous product pipeline is demonstrated by the history of chemical
industries. In the nineteenth century, Germany’s universities trained excellent chemists
who often kept lifelong friendship and formed an effective business network. They
