Denmark’s reliance on biomass energy is driving deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased carbon emissions in Estonia and Latvia. A new report co-authored by BirdLife Partner LOB (Latvian Ornithological Society) reveals that large-scale logging to supply Danish power plants is turning these crucial carbon sinks into carbon emitters, undermining Denmark’s reputation as a leader in green energy.
Forest Monitoring Law: why an EU-wide framework is crucial for understanding our forests Written by Riccardo Gambini and Erica Gentili – Cover picture by Lars Soerink Following the European elections, discussions about the European Commission’s proposal to establish a common monitoring framework for resilient forests, the Forest Monitoring Law (FML),
While the term “bioeconomy” hints at a green and natural alternative to the fossil economy, built on biological resources and therefore sustainable, its application comes with a much more problematic reality. The ecosystems from which these resources come are already dramatically overused; an increasing demand for biomass would pose additional pressure on global ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
As part of the Forest Strategy for 2030, the European Commission published a new proposal for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans of EU Forests in 2023. This proposal aims at “developing an EU-wide forest observation framework to provide open access to detailed, accurate, regular, and timely information on the condition and management of EU forests, and on the many products and ecosystem services that forests provide” . As Birdlife, we participated in the feedback consultation on the proposal as we strongly support this new framework. In the scope of the current ecological crisis, the law is essential to make sure of an effective implementation process of the existing legislation and the commitments taken by Member States. This article examines the pressing need for improved forest monitoring, the potential of the proposed framework, and areas that need to be refined.
What have been the impacts of EU’s renewable energy policies on forests? By Sini Eräjää, EU bioenergy policy officer at BirdLife Europe & Central Asia. Ahead of crucial times at the European Parliament for climate change and forests, the NGOs Fern, Birdlife Europe and Transport & Environment are presenting a new study
Across the Southern United States, natural disasters have steadily increased in number and severity, causing loss of life and billions of dollars in damage. It’s clear that the impacts of global climate change are happening here and now. At this very moment Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on the Southeastern coastline, forcing communities in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to evacuate.
October 19th is the International Day of Action on Bioenergy, a day to raise awareness about the impacts of the growing bioenergy industry driven by unwisely designed renewable energy policies. As we know, in many cases bioenergy hasn’t exactly lived up to the promises of renewable energy such as emission reductions and environmental protection – in many cases the impacts have been quite the opposite.
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