What political frameworks are necessary for the future bioeconomy in Europe to be both socially just and ecologically sustainable? The conference, organized by denkhausbremen and featuring high-profile guests, aimed to provide answers to this question. Around 40 participants from nine different European countries gathered for a three-day retreat in Lychen, near Berlin. Representatives from the European Commission, the German government, academia, and civil society engaged in panel discussions following numerous keynote presentations. An artistic program provided a creative backdrop, rounding off the successful event. A key point emphasized throughout the conference was the limited availability of bio-based resources, given that ecosystems are already under strain and suffer damage from current biomass uses. Additionally, the potential danger was highlighted that the so-called Global South might primarily become a supplier of raw materials for a European bioeconomy. Ultimately, however, participants agreed that the bioeconomy could be part of the solution – provided the right political frameworks are in place. The discussions were able to tie into current political processes, as the EU is currently revising its bioeconomy …

An increasing number of industries are committing to transition to a bioeconomy, to replace everything from cotton to plastic to concrete with biomass alternatives. They are supported by a European policy environment that is encouraging this shift. But what does this mean for forests? Fern and denkhausbremen commissioned a report to give an overview of current and projected levels of EU wood production; uses and impacts on forests, the climate and biodiversity: ‘Stemming the Tide – the potential of forests to supply the European bioeconomy’. Although forecasting is a difficult exercise as the amount of wood that a forest can supply depends on the rate of climate change and responses to it across the economy, the findings were clear: multiple policies are increasing demand for wood for a range of sectors, which is increasing production (harvesting) as well as imports of tropical fibres. As a result, forests are absorbing and storing less and less carbon dioxide, making it harder to meet climate commitments. Increasing the European bioeconomy without reducing consumption would be a disaster. Policies …