Answer to Question #199465 in History for PHILIP

Question

Fuelwood and charcoal as sources of energy are problematic. Discuss.

Answer 1

Fuelwood and charcoal, which are consumed daily in developing countries, are environmentally problematic. While technically wood, which both fuelwood and charcoal stem from, is a renewable source, the world's forests are exploitatively disappearing faster than they are being replaced. This is causing serious environmental effects such as deforestation, destruction of ecosystems and animal habitats, land degradation, accelerated soil erosion etc.

The overexploitation of forests has also led to fuelwood crisis in developing countries, as there is a deficit of wood for energy uses.

Burning of energy sources and the combustion of wood to obtain charcoal contributes to air pollution. Charcoal production increases the environment's carbon footprint.

Use of fuelwood can destroy forests or homes through accidental fires whereas charcoal has led to deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.