Environmental impact of firewood burning needs to be studied, say experts

With firewood increasingly being used as an alternative to cooking gas amid the ongoing LPG shortage, experts point out that increased firewood consumption could contribute to higher levels of carbon emissions and pollution, raising environmental concerns.

With demand rising from restaurants and households, firewood suppliers have reported supply constraints and shortage as well.

A. Bijukumar, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, said that while carbon emissions are undeniable, it is also important to compare them with the carbon footprint involved in transporting LPG to the region.

“We may need to carry out a quantity assessment, but there is pollution involved. Another crucial aspect is deforestation that occurs on account of the increase in demand for firewood. As demand for firewood rises in regions where it has not been used, it can contribute to deforestation. This must be carefully considered,” he said.

According to experts, while quantified and comparative information regarding emissions is not available under the present scenario, burning of biomass leads to carbon emissions. “Carbon released due to the burning of wood gets into the atmosphere at a faster rate than it does when wood decays, which is a gradual process,” noted Sreejith Ashtamoorthy, principal scientist, Kerala Forest Research Institute. When firewood is used instead of LPG, it results in higher carbon emissions, he noted. “Moreover, as demand for wood rises, people may be tempted to cut and sell trees from their own premises, leading to the loss of green cover,” said Mr. Ashtamoorthy.

P. Kalaiarasan, environmental engineer, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, said that along with carbon and gaseous pollutants, biomass burning also leads to the release of particulate matter which could enter human bodies.

“When a particulate matter, which is less that 2.5 microns in size, enters our bodies, it will directly go to our nervous system, and continuous exposure can damage our health,” said Mr. Kalaiarasan. “Additionally, burning biomass also causes a rise in temperature as opposed to controlled burning in the case of LPG. While the impacts are not assessed, compared to LPG, open burning will cause more damage,” he added.

R. Harikumar, director, Energy Management Centre, Kerala, noted that when biomass is used as fuel, its fuel efficiency is low. “If a normal three-stone stove is used, the fuel efficiency is as little as 3%. In case of fuel efficient stoves, this could increase up to 25%. Carbon stored in the tree after absorption during its lifetime gets released as carbon when it is burnt. So, while net carbon dioxide may not increase, it leads to increased health impacts. If it is not burned properly, it could lead to the release of carbon monoxide which is poisonous,” said Mr. Harikumar.