Sadiq Khan in U-turn on ‘eco’ wood-burners amid pollution fears
Sadiq Khan in U-turn on ‘eco’ wood-burners amid pollution fears The Guardian
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The London Mayor Withdraws Endorsement of Woodburning Stoves
The London mayor Sadiq Khan has withdrawn his endorsement of woodburning stoves promoted as “environmentally friendly” after a surge in sales of the appliances, which contribute to harmful air pollution.
Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
In 2018, Khan endorsed the Ecodesign stoves, which comply with new regulations in an EU’ directive on minimum energy efficiency standards that came into force on 1 January last year, in order to encourage householders to switch from open fires and older stoves to more modern technology. He said Londoners could make a big difference by using the “right kit”.
The mayor’s endorsement – along with the government’s clean air strategy, which also supported more efficient stoves – is used to promote the sales of modern wood-burning stoves, often bought primarily to enhance the attractiveness of a home.
Wood-burning stoves emit toxic particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can be drawn deep into the lungs, increasing the risks from cardiovascular and respiratory disease. In 2019, exposure to these tiny toxic particles in the UK was linked to 33,100 premature deaths from all sources of pollution, including wood-burning stoves.
Emissions of PM2.5 from domestic wood-burning increased by 124% between 2011 and 2021. Wood burning in homes now produces more small particle pollution than all road traffic in the UK.
Withdrawal of Endorsement
Khan, who faces scrutiny over the extension of the ultra-low emission zone in London after Labour’s byelection defeat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip last Thursday, has confirmed he is withdrawing his endorsement of wood-burning stoves after being challenged by the Liberal Democrats over the issue.
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