Resource efficiency analysis through planetary boundary-based life cycle assessment: a case study of sugarcane in...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science
• Sustainability Science

Background:

• Agricultural activities significantly impact the environment, potentially exceeding safe ecological limits.
• Resource efficiency in the agri-food sector is crucial for sustainable development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the resource efficiency of sugarcane production in Pakistan.
• To assess environmental impacts using Planetary Boundary-based Life Cycle Assessment (PB-LCA).

Main Methods:

• A holistic approach was used, identifying impact categories and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Planetary Boundary-based Life Cycle Assessment (PB-LCA) was applied with both generic and resolved spatial approaches.
• Different sharing principles were evaluated to determine resource allocation.

Main Results:

• Varying sharing principles led to significant differences in impact assessments.
• Most impact categories exceeded safe operating spaces, particularly with agri-land sharing and spatially resolved approaches.
• Failure to meet SDG targets was indicated by exceeding planetary boundaries.

Conclusions:

• Sugarcane production in Pakistan is currently unsustainable.
• Urgent interventions are required to enhance resource management and mitigate environmental impacts.
• The developed PB-LCA framework effectively evaluates SDGs at the product level, aiding informed decision-making for impact reduction.