"Europe Is Sacrificing Its Ancient Forests for Energy"

"Governments bet billions on burning timber for green power. The Times went deep into one of the continent’s oldest woodlands to track the hidden cost."

"Across Central Europe, companies are clear-cutting forests and grinding up centuries-old trees in the name of renewable energy.

Pellets are shipped across Western Europe, helping countries reach their renewable-power commitments.

None of this is illegal — in fact, it’s encouraged by green-energy subsidies. But in reality, burning wood can be dirtier than burning coal.

Burning wood was never supposed to be the cornerstone of the European Union’s green energy strategy."

Sarah Hurtes and Weiyi Cai report for the New York Times with photographs by Andreea Campeanu September 7, 2022.