Europe's renewable energy directive poised to harm global forests.

Searchinger, Timothy D; Beringer, Tim; Holtsmark, Bjart; Kammen, Daniel M; Lambin, Eric F; Lucht, Wolfgang; Raven, Peter; van Ypersele, Jean-Pascal · Nat Commun · 2018

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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.