Health and Greenhouse Gas Impacts of Biomass and Fossil Fuel Energy Futures in Africa

Bioenergy plays a major role in the energy mix in Africa today, but both the human health and environmental impacts associated with reliance on this fuel structure are significant. This article looks at a number of scenarios for the widespread use of sustainable forest management practices, charcoal production, the use of improved stoves, as well as to more rapid introductions of fossil-fuel energy systems. These scenarios are analysed for various environmental and health impacts, and it was found that sustainable bioenergy practices could, in theory, save millions of lives through improved carbon management and infrastructure. Results also showed the potential for biofuels to contribute to transportation needs and help facilitate a low carbon infrastructure system.