News

This morning news roundup from EESI, one of our favorite sources, brings two indirect endorsements for better stoves and sustainable solid biomass fuels, the cornerstones of The Charcoal Project’s BEEP (Biomass Energy Efficiency Program) initiative.

A number of new scientific studies have been released examining whether and how forests, forest management practices, forest products, and bioenergy from forests either contribute to or help mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration and emissions.

One report states that “growing more forests and keeping forests as forests are only part of the solution, because focusing solely on the sequestration benefits of the forests misses the important (and substantial) carbon storage and substitution GHG benefits of harvested forest products, as well as other benefits of active forest management.”

“…Europe is seeking to generate 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources in 2020, and converting Brazilian wood into easily transportable pellets may help the region reach it’s goal,…

“Demand in Europe for biomass is very big. Many old coal-fired thermoelectric plants are making the decision to co-fire with biomass to extend their lives, principally in England.”

So, why can’t African nations do the same?

Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are rising faster than the worst case scenarios projected only four years ago.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called today for a “clean energy revolution” to help the estimated three billion people that lack modern power and urged countries to recognize the impact that energy security has on all aspects of development.