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What impact is biomass energy having on deforestation rates around the world?

Yasmeen Renac

Biomass energy is a renewable form of energy that comes from burning things like wood, plants, and animal waste. It's a great way to get energy without using up other resources like coal or oil.

But sometimes, people cut down too many trees to get the biomass they need for energy. This is called deforestation. When we cut down trees, we're not just losing the trees themselves. Trees are important because they provide oxygen for us to breathe, and they help absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is a gas that contributes to climate change. When we cut down too many trees, it can harm the environment and even the animals that live in the forests.

Unfortunately, some countries have high rates of deforestation because they use biomass energy. This is because they don't always grow and use the biomass sustainably, which means they're not replacing the trees they cut down with new ones. This can lead to a shortage of trees and a loss of biodiversity.

However, it's not all bad news. Some countries, like Sweden and Finland, use biomass energy in a sustainable way. They grow their own trees specifically for energy use, so they're not cutting down too many trees from existing forests.

So, the impact of biomass energy on deforestation rates around the world really depends on how it's used. If we use biomass energy responsibly and sustainably, it can be a good thing for the environment. But if we use it in a way that harms our forests, it can have a negative impact on deforestation rates.