Wood-burning is the largest source of deadly air pollution in Europe - So why does the EU encourage burning wood for “renewable energy”?

Wood-burning is the largest source of deadly air pollution in Europe – So why does the EU encourage burning wood for “renewable energy”?

Author: Forest Defenders Alliance

Date: 2021

Location: a:1:{s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-b09c08cb3771d49a12d79058d15fa99f-1";a:1:{i:0;s:18:"Continent - Europe";}}a:1:{s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-b09c08cb3771d49a12d79058d15fa99f-1";a:1:{i:0;s:18:"Continent - Europe";}}

Language: English

Type of resource: Briefing

Topics: Bioeconomy

EU data reveal that that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) alone was responsible for up to 379,000 deaths in the EU-28 in 2018. The majority of PM2.5 - 54% - was emitted by households
and other establishments that burn solid fuels, mostly wood, for heat, while the energy sector and road transport were responsible for 18% and 11% of PM2.5 respectively.

FDA Air pollution factsheet