Bioenergy Discourse: A Comparison Across Media and Technologies

Abstract

This study compares the discourse surrounding Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across two mediums: social media and academic literature. Through an automated content analysis of Twitter posts (n=11,314) and peer-reviewed articles (n=140), we identify significant differences in the prevalence of techno-optimism, techno-skepticism, and engagement with critical issues related to socio-environmental impacts and technological uncertainty for these bioproducts. The findings reveal that social media content is generally more optimistic and less critical of these technologies compared to the academic literature, with a notable lack of discussion on the potential social and environmental consequences. Furthermore, our analysis highlights a greater polarization of views in relation to BECCS, with both techno-optimism and techno-skepticism being more prominent across both mediums. The study emphasizes the importance of effective science communication, balanced evaluations of risks and benefits, and closer collaboration between academia and businesses to foster a more informed and nuanced discourse on disruptive technologies in the bioeconomy. Our findings also emphasize the need for scholars and businesses operating in the biomaterials and bioproducts industry to adopt a critical approach to media literacy.