Understanding the Deforestation Debate

As an advocate for nature, witnessing the transformation of lush forests into barren landscapes filled with tree stumps and mud is disheartening. The sight evokes thoughts of the countless animals displaced by the encroachment of logging machinery. Historically, many regions were abundant in trees and biodiversity, but human actions have led to significant deforestation, and this trend continues.

Photo by roya ann miller on Unsplash

One of the primary uses of the timber harvested from these devastated areas is as fuel in power plants. However, this practice releases the carbon dioxide that trees once absorbed. In a time when we should be striving to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, is it justifiable to burn trees for electricity? This was a central theme in a recent BBC Panorama documentary titled “The Green Energy Scandal Exposed.” The documentary asserts that burning wood for energy emits more greenhouse gases than burning coal, a practice that countries like the UK are attempting to eliminate.

But is this assertion accurate?

Experts often overlook the emissions from wood combustion in their evaluations. The carbon dioxide released is part of a natural carbon cycle, having been sequestered by trees not long ago and capable of being reabsorbed by new growth. This differs from the emissions produced from fossil fuels, which have been buried underground for millions of years. However, if we do take these biogenic emissions into account, we discover that the emissions from burning wood are comparable to those from coal, and can be even greater since wood is a lower-quality fuel. More wood is required to produce the same amount of energy as coal, leading to increased emissions.

The underlying assumption is that sufficient new plant growth will occur to absorb the released carbon dioxide. If the energy company owns the forest, it is likely they would replant trees to sustain their fuel supply. However, tree growth eventually slows as they mature, reducing their carbon absorption capacity. Thus, while it may seem logical to cut down older trees to allow younger ones to thrive, careful management is essential. It takes years for a forest to regenerate, indicating there must be a limit to how much biomass can be sustainably harvested.

The UK is not likely to depend heavily on biomass power plants, not only due to forest regeneration limits but also because only 13% of its land is forested, much of which is protected. The UK imports a significant amount of wood, primarily from countries with more extensive forests, such as Canada, which has up to 40% tree coverage. When considering the carbon footprint of biomass—including the emissions from transporting wood to the UK—it can be comparable to that of solar energy.

Can we consider alternative energy sources? What about wildlife?

Biomass, alongside wind, solar, and tidal power, is classified as a renewable energy source due to the abundance of its resources. However, wind, solar, and tidal energy are subject to fluctuations based on environmental conditions, making them unreliable at times. Biomass offers a solution, as it can be burned in a controlled manner to generate electricity on demand. Nuclear power, while also controllable and low in emissions, is finite and not renewable.

Now, what happens to the wildlife in these forests? Should we halt tree removal to safeguard their habitats? The answer varies depending on the age of the forest, the species it houses, and the extent of the logging. Some ancient forests maintain a balance, where dying trees are naturally replaced, ensuring stable populations of local wildlife. While definitions of ancient or old-growth forests vary, in some cases, limited logging may not significantly impact the ecosystem, allowing wildlife to relocate and recover.

Ongoing ecological studies examine the effects of forest degradation—the process of logging followed by regrowth—compared to deforestation, which permanently removes trees. Unless a forest is home to rare species, it appears feasible to responsibly manage the logging of minor sections, providing some reassurance. However, I still feel a twinge of sadness when I observe the immediate aftermath of logging operations.

Chapter 2: The Environmental Impact of Biomass Energy

In "Michael Moore Presents: Planet of the Humans," a documentary by Jeff Gibbs, the complex relationship between environmentalism and energy production is explored. The film raises critical questions about the sustainability of biomass energy and its impact on our planet.

Chapter 3: The Role of Science in Climate Discourse

Bill Gates discusses the importance of science in addressing climate change in a thought-provoking interview, questioning the effectiveness of current strategies and the role of public perception.