Social and ecological effects of biomass utilization and the willingness to use clean energy in the eastern Qinghai–Tibet plateau

We conducted surveys in 19 villages on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau to explore the social and ecological effects of household biomass utilization and local people's willingness to use clean energy. Results showed that biomass was commonly used on this plateau. Dung combustion generated heavy indoor smoke in pastoral regions. Women were main dung collectors, who spent 1.8 h per day on dung collection. Crop residues and firewood were mainly collected by adults. Most respondents would like to rest while few chose to entertain or study when the time for biomass collection was saved. Tree numbers decreased in agricultural regions and grasslands deteriorated in pastoral regions recently according to most respondents. There were significant differences in the willingness to use modern energy, but no significant difference in the willingness to use clean energy among households from regions with different livelihoods. Almost all the respondents would like to use clean energy when there was no economic constraint but paid no attention to the environmental impact of fuel choice. Livelihood and region were main determinants in modern energy utilization, and energy price was the main determinant of fuel choice. Future energy development should focus on finding new ways to utilize biomass and exploring renewable energy.

Highlight► Rural household survey is done in 19 villages on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. ► Biomass collection and utilization cost time and are bad for health and ecosystem. ► Price is the main determinant of fuel choice. ► Most households are willing to use clean energy but pay no attention to the environment. ► Future development should focus on finding new ways to utilize biomass and exploring renewable energy.