Plant power: Burning biomass instead of coal can help fight climate change-but only if done right

Burning of biomass such as wood pellets for energy has the potential to contribute to the portfolio of solutions to the climate crisis. Considered over a time span of a few decades, sustainably sourced biofuels can be considered a renewable energy source, with net zero associated emissions of carbon dioxide. However, whether or not biofuels realize this potential depends very much on the way they are sourced, and this involves an intricate and difficult accounting of full lifecycle carbon emissions. More stringent policies and carbon accounting methods need to be put in place in order to assure that biofuels come close to the ideal of being a net-zero emitter. It also needs to be recognized that increased exploitation of biofuels can come into conflict with other environmental or societal goals, including biodiversity preservation and indigenous rights.