Climate Groups Warn Bioenergy Expansion Could Undermine Global Climate Goals

Environmental groups and scientists are pushing back against the growing use of bioenergy in national climate plans. They argue that burning forest biomass for energy releases more CO2 per unit than coal and that current accounting rules treat those emissions as carbon neutral, creating a loophole that masks real climate impact. A new analysis shows 65 percent of countries mention bioenergy in their climate pledges, but most lack specifics on biomass type, quantity, or environmental effects. Seven countries plan to dedicate 95 million hectares of land to Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage by 2050, raising concerns about deforestation, biodiversity loss, and competition with food production. Community advocates report land dispossession and health impacts from biomass facilities. The coalition is calling on governments to reassess bioenergy's role before COP30 and prioritize direct emissions reductions instead.