Environmental Benefits

Replacing fossil fuel with biofuels and bioenergy offers more environmental benefits than just a renewable source of energy being renewable. Bioenergy can also bring about

the recovery of degraded land, reduction of soil erosion, and protection of watersheds.

Reducing Green House Gases

Burning of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, which becomes a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. The removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is an important step to reducing global climate change. Luckily, forests, shrubs, and soil organic matter are a natural storage facility for carbon. Forests use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis and store carbon in their biomass. Woody biomass produces less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels when burned. 

Healthier Forests

At the forest level, the use of biomass for bio-based products may help decrease the risk of wildfires. A primary reason for the recent high incidence of wildfires is the over abundance of available fuel wood. Creating a healthier forest by removing brush, small diameter trees, damaged trees, and other fuel sources can lessen the possibility of large, high intensity wildfires as well as mortality caused by insect and disease. A healthier forest can also support a larger diversity of wildlife. The use of sustainable forest biomass for bioenergy and bio-based products will benefit forests, wildlife, and humanity.