The global relation of wood production and consumption is examined, with emphasis on wood as an energy source. In many regions of the world, particularly in the developing countries, the demand for fuelwood can only be supplied by overexploitation of forest land. Our calculations are based on published data from various sources, which are combined with model applications.
Results are prognoses in the form of global maps by countries.
They show that the deficiency of fuelwood will become more critical in large areas of the world, particularly in developing countries with a rapid population growth. This development bears the risk of continuing deforestation and is a threat to sustainable land use.