Woody biofuels production could do more harm than good

A new study into the effects of global biofuels production on air pollution has shown negative results.

The report, compiled by Norwegian and UK researchers , states that trees planted to eventually become wood fuel would release more of a chemical called isoprene, a smaller yet potent pollutant concern.

It is believed that when isoprene is mixed with other pollutants in sunlight, as well as being categorised as a hydrocarbon in its own right, could also reduce crop yields for farmers.

As an example, the report has estimated that ozone from wood-based energy used to meet the European Union's 2020 environmental targets would cause up to 1,400 premature deaths a year, costing society €5.4 billion ($7.1 billion).

The European plan would also reduce the annual value of wheat and maize production by €1.1 billion since ozone impairs crop growth, the study added.

The full study can be found in Nature Climate Change.