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Regional Impacts A new report by researchers from IIASA, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), has shown that more large-scale biorefineries will have only a small effect on the availability and pricing of wood products and feedstocks. Funded by the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences, and Spatial Planning (FORMAS), the IIASA National Member Organization representing Sweden, the research focused on Sweden. The results show that there is likely to be a much stronger demand on EU forests, although total production is not likely to increase. “Fringe feedstocks” – such as logging residue and bark – could also be used, although there may be technical and economic limitations. The cost of forest feedstocks will rise, but large price spikes in the medium term are unlikely and the profitability of large-scale biorefineries will not be affected. Biorefineries should be integrated with existing forest industries, and conversion processes with high biomass-to-biofuel efficiency, while larger plants with the resulting economies of scale, are preferable. IIASA researcher Sylvain Leduc says that the report should help policymakers set better biofuel targets and to understand the impacts on forestry markets. The team used three interlinked models, the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM), BeWhere, and the Spatial Price Determination Model (SpPDM). Further info: Lundmark R, Forsell N, Leduc S, Lundgren J, Ouraich I, Pettersson K, Wetterlund E (2018). Large-scale implementation of biorefineries [pure.iiasa.ac.at/15350] Sylvain Leduc: leduc@iiasa.ac.at Written by: Helen Tunnicliffe Biorefineries will have only minimal effects on wood products and feedstock markets A new study reveals that overweight and obese adults in England are more likely to underestimate their weight status and less likely to try to lose weight, especially in lower-income, lower-education, and minority groups. The study conducted by IIASA researcher Raya Muttarak, investigated how demographic factors are associated with perception of weight, particularly weight underassessment and attempts to lose weight. In England, more than one in four adults aged 15 and older are considered clinically obese, yet Muttarak’s study shows that weight misperception has increased alongside obesity over time. This increase is possibly a result of the normalization of plus-sized bodies, which can undermine weight loss attempts. Although about one-fourth of male participants in the study were classified as overweight, the majority reported their weight status as normal. Misperception significantly increased in lower education and income groups. Individuals in the bottom-income group were 1.3 times more likely to misperceive their weight and were consequently less likely to try to lose weight than overweight individuals with higher levels of income and education. Muttarak believes that social inequalities may be contributing to the normalization of obesity and patterns in weight misperception. “The price of healthier fresh foods is higher than processed and energy-dense foods in England,” says Muttarak. “As a sociologist, I feel these inequalities should be addressed.” Written by: Sandra Ortellado Weight misperception in England likely influenced by socioeconomic factors Further info: Muttarak R (2018). Normalization of plus size and the danger of unseen overweight and obesity in England. Obesity 26 (7): 1125-1129 [pure.iiasa.ac.at/15344] Raya Muttarak: muttarak@iiasa.ac.at EUROPE 23www.iiasa.ac.at OptionsWinter 2018/19