The perils of climate change clearly points towards the need for a green shift with less use of fossil fuel. However, it is important to be aware of the possible adverse consequences of a bioeconomy.

Harder exploitation of forested areas may mean increased use of fertilization, harrowing of the forest ground after clear-felling, removal of branches and stumps for energy production, increased drainage ditching or ditch maintenance, as well as harvesting of riparian and other currently protected areas. These activities  may affect water resources, and necessitate mitigation measures.

In a new policy brief, we have gathered important information from new papers on this topic, mainly from Biowater but also other references of interest.

Feature photo: Eva Skarbøvik.