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In "Oil is Dirty, Power Hungry," Robert Bryce explores the prevalent use of biomass energy in developing nations, highlighting its detrimental environmental impacts. Common biomass sources like wood and coal pollute the air and threaten ecosystems, notably around Virunga National Park in Congo. While biofuels are often hailed as sustainable alternatives, their production can lead to vast deforestation and increased carbon emissions, particularly in Indonesia. Bryce argues for the adoption of clean-burning fossil fuels to improve public health, life expectancy, and reduce harmful emissions.
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Chapter 17 Myth: Oil is Dirty Power Hungry by Robert Brice
Situation • Most common energy sources in developing world are biomass based (wood, straw, coal, charcoal). • Energy demands require vast areas of land to be used to create the biomass needed for energy production. • These biomass sources tend to be dirty creating airborne soot and releasing other noxious chemicals. • Harvesting of trees near Virunga National Park in Congo is seen as the largest threat to the park’s ecosystem.
Biofuels do More Harm than Good • In many western societies, biofuels are seen as an alternative to oil consumption. • The unseen costs of biofuel production can be seen in Indonesia where large areas of tropical forest have been removed to make way for palm oil plantations. • Because of this clearing, Indonesia was the third largest producer of carbon dioxide behind China and the U.S. according to a 2008 report.
Oil is the Answer • Clean burning fossil fuels can readily be used to replace biomass as the primary energy source for much of the developing world. • This would increase public health, quality of life, and life expectancy by reducing indoor air pollution. • Black carbon emissions, the second largest manmade contributor to climate change, would also be reduced.
References • Power Hungry, Robert Bryce, Public Affairs, 2010, New York New York.
