Berlin sustainability agreement for biomass: an empty promise?

Berlin sustainability agreement for biomass: an empty promise?

The effects of Berlin biomass policy on the environment: a wake -up call for future generations

In the current discussion about the use of biomass as an energy source in Berlin, there is a worrying development that alerts not only local environmental activists, but also the general public. Two important environmental organizations, Robin Wood and Biofuelwatch, have recently published a critical analysis of the Berlin sustainability agreement for biomass. This analysis is considered significant because it raises important questions about the protection of nature and forests.

The background of the concern lies in the plans of the Berlin Senate to extend the existing contracts with the energy group Vattenfall and to significantly expand the wood energy by 2030. Despite the clear indications of the environmentally harmful consequences of wood burning, this is done.

The studies by Robin Wood and Biofuelwatch show that the specified sustainability criteria in the agreement are not sufficient to ensure real protection for forests and ecosystems. In particular, it is criticized that even wood from protected areas, such as the Natura 2000 zones, can continue to be burned. This regulation is particularly alarming because it endangers the integrity of important natural areas and violates the principles of nature conservation.

A central argument in the analysis is that the combustion of wood as an energy source emits CO2 regardless of the origin of the wood. This means that forests become CO2 sources instead of acting as urgently needed CO2 memory, which further accelerates climate change. Jana Ballenthien, Robin Wood's forest manager, emphasizes that firing wood into power plants cannot be associated with the term “sustainability” if this leads to a risk to the forests.

Another concern of concern is the social standards of the wood harvest. According to the analysis, these are also not guaranteed, which puts the affected communities and their rights to a fair and environmentally friendly use of their resources.

The publication of this analysis near the environmental policy hearing of the Berlin House of Representatives has tightened the debate on biomass use. Many citizens and environmental initiatives in Berlin are calling for a fundamental reassessment of the energy transition strategies to ensure that the measures do not take at the expense of natural resources.

The need for a responsible and sustainable energy policy is urgent. The current plans of the Senate are in conflict with the global efforts to combat climate change and to maintain biodiversity. It is essential that the Berlin government not only makes the right decisions when it comes to biomass, but in the entire area of ​​energy policy to protect the environment and the future of the coming generations.

For more information on the plans and the analysis, the websites of Robin Wood and Biofuelwatch are recommended that have comprehensive reports and arguments on the effects of biomass policy.