As the policy deliberations on the next EU budget for 2028-2034, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), have started, HEAL considers it crucial that health protection from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is at the core of spending and investment priorities.
The health organisations Klimawandel Gesundheit (KLUG), Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Public Health (DGPH) and ClientEarth have sent a letter to members of the ITRE committee, pointing out the health and climate impacts of burning biomass, ahead of a vote in the committee on the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and whether wood burning should continue to be classified as “renewable” and therefore subsidised.
The letter calls on MEPs in the committee to no longer classify wood as a renewable energy source in the new RED III and to stop subsidies for wood as an energy source.
Wood burning in power plants, heaters and fireplaces pollutes air, contributes to the climate crisis, and is therefore harmful to health in several ways.
Full letter here
