Too hot to handle: Burning wood for heat emits more CO₂ than coal

A new BirdLife Europe report released today reveals that the increasing reliance on biomass for heating and cooling in Europe is harming the climate more than helping it. The report highlights how bioenergy, particularly wood combustion, is far from carbon-neutral and poses serious environmental, economic, and health risks.

Biomass – organic material like wood, plants, or animal waste converted to energy – now provides about 20% of all heating energy in the EU, making it the most widely used “renewable” energy source in the sector. Between 2011 and 2023, the use of biomass for heating increased by 16%. According to national energy plans, 1/3 of all future renewable heating growth is set to come from bioenergy. This trend is clearly unsustainable and counterproductive if climate, health, and biodiversity goals are to be met.

Key findings:

• Climate impact: Burning biomass releases significant greenhouse gases, especially when the loss of forest carbon sinks is taken into account. This means that bioenergy, especially from forests, can be more polluting than the fossil fuels it’s meant to replace.
• Resource limitation: There isn’t enough sustainable biomass to meet Europe’s growing demand. Bioenergy competes with land needed for food, materials like wood products, and biodiversity.
• Economic risks: As demand rises but supply stays limited, energy prices may increase, threatening affordability for households and stability for industries.
• Health impacts: Burning wood and other biomass produces fine particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and associated health risks.
• Reduced ecosystem services: Harvesting biomass reduces biodiversity and the ability of natural ecosystems to provide essential services like clean water, fertile soil, and climate regulation.

Rather than relying on biomass, more sustainable heating and cooling options are already available. Heat pumps, especially when powered by wind or solar energy, offer highly efficient, low-emission heating for buildings of all sizes. District heating systems, particularly in urban areas, can tap into waste heat, geothermal, or large-scale heat pumps to supply entire neighbourhoods with clean energy. Additionally, improving energy efficiency and sufficiency through better insulation and modern heating controls can drastically cut heating demand. These alternatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improve air quality and offer long-term savings for consumers.

Riccardo Gambini, Policy Officer for Bioenergy and Forests at BirdLife Europe, says:

“Policymakers can no longer ignore the hard truth – burning biomass is wrecking our climate, harming biodiversity, and polluting the air we breathe. Bioenergy is a false solution, and the era of giving it a free pass must end. It’s time to cut off subsidies and invest in real climate solutions like heat pumps, district heating, and energy efficiency. These technologies are the backbone of clean heating, not burning forests for fuel.”

ENDS.

You can read the full report here.

Contacts:

Riccardo Gambini – Policy Officer for Bioenergy and Forests

[email protected]

Cover picture by Rollin Verlinde – Species: Boreal Owl