Wood residues in forests can also become biomass and generate ample energy. However, the question remains, is this energy good for the environment and climate?
After all, this question has been lingering in expert debates and discussions, given that eco-friendly management and assessment practices cannot always be applied.
Nevertheless, these forest assessment practices are necessary to utilize biomass efficiently and effectively, such as those in biorefineries, power plants, and combined heat. Despite this, the scientific background consists of opposing conclusions regarding the effects of forest bioenergy on climate wellness.
In this case, the contrasting findings are partly caused by bioenergy systems’ wide diversity and the differences in testing methods. Moreover, experts involved in Bioenergy IEA have published a research paper in the GCB Bioenergy Journal.
Experts said that applying science-based system perspectives can eliminate misconceptions and false assumptions about forest bioenergy’s climate effects in the research paper.
Moreover, the paper also consists of debatable subjects related to forest bioenergy’s impact on climate. In fact, it mainly dwells on how transport, electricity generation, and heat production can contribute to possible environmental destruction.
Overall, these factors or applications were deemed relevant in obtaining a clear understanding of the long-term impact of forest bioenergy and dismissing myths that might result in underestimated or exaggerated conclusions.
Furthermore, the primary goal is to reduce any confusion arising from diverging studies and old publications.
In addition, considering the critical role forests play in obtaining climate and ecosystem wellness, knowledge about forest management has always been the key to conserving productive and healthy forests and controlling high levels of the harvest to increase or maintain forests’ carbon stocks.
As stated in this framework, highly crucial factors that result in climate change reduction are as follows:
- efforts in planting trees and increasing global forest areas such as afforestation and reforestation
- producing annually sustained forest energy, fiber, and timber yield
- establishing management strategies in increasing or maintaining carbon stocks
Overall, the strategies mentioned above will contribute to replenishing fossil fuels and carbon-intensive materials, which are essential for decarbonization strategies in the future.
Most biomass energies that are derived from wood are residues or by-products of forest industries and forestry operations. So, generally speaking, the matter should still be open for further discussions and studies.