Woodfuel In The Uk

Woodfuel is not a new form of fuel; historically wood has been used as fuel for millennia with many civilisations relying on it as a source of energy. Even today the global south still use wood to produce heat. At the turn of the 19th century wood in the UK was no longer the main source of energy, but instead fossil fuel, which now outlines and dominates the way we live today. Furthermore with a growing population since World War II, much of the UK agricultural land has been used for conservation schemes and agricultural harvest only. Nevertheless with the rising concern of climate change, woodlands are now emerging to be used again for the use of renewable energy. Woodfuel in the UK is available as sawdust, pellets, sheets, charcoal chips, and firewood. The particular type used depends upon factors such as application, quality, quantity and source. When we view the geography of woodfuel in the UK we can view it from a broader perspective that reflects the discipline of geography. Sustainability is a way which tries to combine earth landscapes, environments and people together. We view sustainability “through the so called ‘three pillars’, namely economic, social and environmental or ecological” (Gregory et al 2009: 738) and it is these pillars which are to “be used as a benchmark for goals in which we must achieve” (O’ Riordan 2004: 245) so that we can use todays resources without compromising future generations supplies. Due to greater awareness of climate change and the need to use low carbon, renewable source of energy, this essay will predominately focus on the sustainability of woodfuel in the UK.

With rising temperatures through the burning of fossil fuels, causing variations within our climate, more is being done to turn ...

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...roductive agricultural land into biomass production for woodfuel. Even with economic incentives farmers still view this business as a risk to their livelihood. If managed in an appropriate way woodfuel can be rewarding by lowering the UK carbon emissions by 2050 and boost the economy. However to make sure that the woodfuel system is considered sustainable the production system must not impact on local or regional ecosystems, societies and economies. Organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the Forestry Commission can ensure that sustainable practices are in place to manage our woodlands; however this is only one part of the woodfuel system. Both local and regional business and farmers must interact with other to ensure that other systems such as conversion, transportation and waste management are also sustainably managed within the woodfuel system.