Wood energy is the use of wood as a fuel source, which can be burned for space heating, cooking, and mechanical energy. It supplies 14% of the world’s energy needs, with developing countries relying on it more. The United Nations has formulated sustainable wood energy plans to help these countries maintain energy independence while developing their economies. Wood is renewable and offers other benefits during growth, but its use is criticized for potentially destroying wildlife and returning carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Any energy that comes from using wood as a fuel source can be referred to as wood energy. While the term is not common, it accurately describes the fuel source and benefit. Wood energy was once the primary source of energy used in the world, but has since been replaced by fossil fuels in most areas. However, there are still many people who still depend on wood as an energy source in several ways.
The most common way to get energy from wood is to burn the material. The heat produced by fire can be used in several ways. It can be used as space heating, for example with campfires or fireplaces. Additionally, it can be used for cooking, or even as a way to produce mechanical energy through the creation of steam, such as in locomotives and some power plants. That steam is then used to power gears or turbines to produce electrical or other power.
Currently, the United Nations estimates that wood energy supplies 14% of the world’s energy needs. This percentage is much higher in developing countries, where other natural resources, or the ability to acquire fossil fuels, are not as great. Countries in such a situation tend to turn to the resource they have most readily available, which is often wood.
The use of these natural resources has led the United Nations Food and Agriculture Program to help developing countries by formulating a sustainable wood energy plan specific to the needs and supply of those villages. This helps these countries maintain a level of energy independence while their economies are given a chance to develop further. Many of the countries that currently use large amounts of wood energy are in sub-Saharan Africa.
The advantages of wood are numerous. Besides being available in many different areas, wood is also considered a form of renewable energy because it can be replaced in a relatively short period of time. Wood also offers other benefits during growth, such as animal habitat and even carbon dioxide consumption.
The energy use of wood is also criticized by some. Many fear that harvesting wood destroys wildlife too much and could be used unsustainably in some areas. Also, while it helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, burning wood returns at least some of it back into the air.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
