Quercus calls for an end to subsidies for biomass burning

The environmental association Quercus has called for an end to subsidies for industrial biomass burning, labeling it a "false green energy." They advocate for public funds to support forest conservation and ecological restoration. On International Biomass Action Day, Quercus emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the origin of forest biomass and urges the government to disclose the environmental impacts of biomass burning subsidies, including CO2 emissions. They also request improved traceability and regulation of biomass supply chains and a commitment to phasing out wood burning incentives at the European level. Quercus argues that burning wood releases stored carbon and threatens biodiversity, soil health, and forest carbon storage capacity. They propose promoting alternatives like composting to utilize forest residues effectively. In 2021, cellulose factories reportedly burned nearly three million tons of woody biomass.