Wood for energy production going same way as oil palm?

A bit of an extreme statement, but with the publication of the article in the Independent (see earlier post) and then Javier's post about the vote in Argentina is it the case that there is a bit of a backlash (opposition) against use of wood biomass for energy production?
Are we ignoring this potential problem at our peril? What can we do to respond?

Addendum
State Government in Massachusetts is rethinking its support for wood biomass plants following pressure from ENGOs (link).

7 comments:

  1. It seems something is going on... What about collecting as Dave suggested more links about this debate and post them as comments in this post?

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  2. Also this article is interesting (and I think the basis for the Independent article).
    http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48574

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  3. Another article "Bioenergy and Wildlife: Threats and Opportunities for Grassland Conservation" also raised very similar issue
    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081307.htm

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  4. Biomass energy 'could be harmful'
    BBC Online news, 14 Apr 2009
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7997398.stm

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  5. Thanks Surya, they are interesting links (that lead me onto the following:)
    http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32595.aspx

    It hosts two reports:
    Biomass: carbon sink or carbon sinner? Summary report April 2009

    and

    Minimising greenhouse gas emissions from biomass energy generation

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  6. Another link... in the near future will collate related articles and publish the links:

    http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_13673659

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  7. Also see "Biomass or Biomess?
    The state forges ahead with many questions unanswered" By Mary Serreze
    June 30, 2009

    http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=9967

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