Global availability of wood and energy supply from fuelwood and charcoal

The global relation of wood production and consumption is examined, with em phasis on wood as an energy source. In many regions of the world, particula rly in the developing countries, the demand for fuelwood can only be suppli ed by overexploitation of forest land. Our calculations are based on publis hed data from various sources, which are combined with model applications. Results are prognoses in the form of global maps by countries. They show th at the deficiency of fuelwood will become more critical in large areas of t he world, particularly in developing countries with a rapid population grow th. This development bears the risk of continuing deforestation and is a th reat to sustainable land use. Transition to renewable energy sources (hydro power, solar, wind, geothermal as well as biofuels), produced in a sustaina ble manner, seems to be the only way out of this dilemma.