Analysis: Cutting down forests for biomass fuel

Jan. 24   Leave a Comment  

In theory, burning any kind of plant material for energy is a carbon-neutral endeavor, but chopping down forests for ethanol is unwise because they cannot be regrown quickly. And tree plantations don't provide the clean water, storm buffers, wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services that natural forests do. Pictured: A wood biomass plant. (Thinkstock)

This will trouble you…

EarthTalk: Polar bears? Biomass?

March 16, 2009   1 Comment  

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Dear EarthTalk: Some say that polar bears are going to disappear in 50 years, but Alaskan officials insist their populations are recovering. What’s the real story? — Harper Howe, San Francisco, CA There is no doubt that polar bears are in serious trouble. Already on the ropes due to other human threats, their numbers are [...]