Fundamental question(Para1）
what is biomass energy and what does the research say about it?
Definition of biomass energy（part 2）
Biomass is any organic, decomposable matter
Generation of biomass energy（part 2）
wood and agricultural products such as logs, sawdust, and agricultural waste;
solid waste (i.e.garbage);
landfill gas (i.e. methane);
liquid fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol,which are produced from crops such as wheat, corn, sugar beet, and sugar cane.
conclusion
Biomass is generally considered as renewable energy
Introduce the technology of biomass-fired power(Para3)
put forward opinions
the production process of biomass-fired power is in essence not dissimilar to that of a traditional coal-fired power
give examples
illuminate the process of biomass-fired power
typical biomass used: wood chips or pellets, methane
conclusion
the technology is so simple that the number of biomass power plants grows significantly
author’s attitude(However): can’t underestimate the adverse environmental impact
Argue that whether biomass is a carbon-neutral source of energy(Para4)
proponents of bioenergy claim that it is
give the reason: when biomass is burned, the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount captured during photosynthesis
author claim that it is not(However)
reasons one: it can take centuries to reestablish the forests and pay off the carbon debt.
reason two: harvesting and transporting biomass over great distances generates hazardous air pollutants
conclusion
it is highly doubtful that biomass can ever be classed as truly carbon-neutral
The negative impact of large planting of energy crops（part 5）
Author's point of view
Because a large number of energy crops will lead to environmental problems and the reduction of food crops.
Give examples
the European Institute of Environmental Policy (2012) predicted that food prices would rise because of the decrease in the proportion of food crops.
The author's attitude towards biomass: criticism（part 6）
Biomass is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels
Biomass energy has a potentially disastrous impact on the environment and the poor.
Give examples
the failure to consider the emission of harmful pollutants in the production process and the fact that food sources are less used to meet the food demand of the rapidly growing global population have led to the loss of land on which many small farmers depend for survival.
