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Europe’s renewable energy directive poised to harm global forests

Author

Listed:
  • Timothy D. Searchinger

    (Princeton University)

  • Tim Beringer

    (Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Bjart Holtsmark

    (Statistics Norway)

  • Daniel M. Kammen

    (UC Berkeley)

  • Eric F. Lambin

    (Stanford University
    Université catholique de Louvain)

  • Wolfgang Lucht

    (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Peter Raven

    (Missouri Botanical Garden)

  • Jean-Pascal van Ypersele

    (Université catholique de Louvain)

Abstract

This comment raises concerns regarding the way in which a new European directive, aimed at reaching higher renewable energy targets, treats wood harvested directly for bioenergy use as a carbon-free fuel. The result could consume quantities of wood equal to all Europe’s wood harvests, greatly increase carbon in the air for decades, and set a dangerous global example.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy D. Searchinger & Tim Beringer & Bjart Holtsmark & Daniel M. Kammen & Eric F. Lambin & Wolfgang Lucht & Peter Raven & Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, 2018. "Europe’s renewable energy directive poised to harm global forests," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-4, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-06175-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06175-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Cosbey, Aaron & Vogt-Schilb, Adrien, 2023. "Climate-Related Trade Measures: Assessing Impacts for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13021, Inter-American Development Bank.
    2. Giuntoli, J. & Barredo, J.I. & Avitabile, V. & Camia, A. & Cazzaniga, N.E. & Grassi, G. & Jasinevičius, G. & Jonsson, R. & Marelli, L. & Robert, N. & Agostini, A. & Mubareka, S., 2022. "The quest for sustainable forest bioenergy: win-win solutions for climate and biodiversity," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    3. Gingrich, Simone & Lauk, Christian & Krausmann, Fridolin & Erb, Karl-Heinz & Le Noë, Julia, 2021. "Changes in energy and livestock systems largely explain the forest transition in Austria (1830–1910)," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    4. Eakins, John & Sirr, Gordon & Power, Bernadette, 2023. "Informally sourced solid fuel use: Examining its extent and characteristics of the users in the residential sector in Ireland," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    5. Kun Peng & Kuishuang Feng & Bin Chen & Yuli Shan & Ning Zhang & Peng Wang & Kai Fang & Yanchao Bai & Xiaowei Zou & Wendong Wei & Xinyi Geng & Yiyi Zhang & Jiashuo Li, 2023. "The global power sector’s low-carbon transition may enhance sustainable development goal achievement," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    6. Stubenrauch, Jessica & Garske, Beatrice, 2023. "Forest protection in the EU's renewable energy directive and nature conservation legislation in light of the climate and biodiversity crisis – Identifying legal shortcomings and solutions," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).

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