Describe Forest Energy Resources.
Back to: UGC NET Paper 1- Unit 9
Describe forest energy resources.
Forests cover almost one third of the earth’s area. Forest resources are any matter that is obtained from forestry. Forest resources are used for several purposes and has a lot of value in it for human use. It is a valuable natural resource that has numerous uses to it. Forests arean important source of bio energy which provides clean and affordable energy.
Forest Energy Resources
There are several energy resources which are:
1). Wood
Wood is definitely the most precious resource derived from forest. We receive wood from trees and trees is what forms forests. Burned wood and wood processing waste can used for generating electricity. Wood is used for several other purposes as well such as cooking, for heating homes, and produce heat in industries. Other than that it is also used in making furniture, toys, instruments, sports equipments, kitchen items, creating art, decorating homes and gardens, and much more.
2). Biomass energy
Biomass or bio energy is a renewable source of energy derived from organic matter like plant waste and animal waste. The waste can be converted to heat and electricity. It is one of the most essential resources on earth. Hence, biomass is an essential energy received from forest resource.
3). FuelsÂ
Crops can be burned to use it as a fuel and liquid biofuels. Fermenting sugarcane juices turns into sugarcane ethanol which is used as a popular vehicle fuel in some countries.
4). Oxygen
Forests are important for living beings in many ways. Humans need trees to survive as it provides us with oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees take in carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis and as a by product, oxygen is produced and released in the atmosphere. Forests are the second largest storers of carbon. Forests absorb and store carbon both above and below ground biomass.
5). Biogas
Animals make up parts of the forest too as they take shelter in forests and it is their natural habitat. Animal manure or dung can be converted into biogas which can be used for burning as a fuel.
6). Water
Water is necessary to live and there cannot be a life without water. Forests regulate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of the water. Forests act as a protected of watersheds which provide 75% of the freshwater worldwide. Trees and other vegetation help to improve water quality.
Conclusion
Forest energy sources are as important and useful as any other sources of energy. They have several uses to it which is required in our daily life. Forests also provide us with shelter, food,and a means of livelihood, which are the basic needs of a human life. Hence, forests are precious natural resource and should be protected at all costs.
