I respect that Dorothy Robinson is entitled to her opinion about wood heaters. However in a recent comment written in response to a Paper by Dorothy Robinson entitled:Â Â Robinson, D.L., 2011. Australia wood heaters currently increase global warming and health costs. Atmospheric Pollution Research 2, 267—274.
Three CSIRO scientists bring into question her methodology and assumptions and state “that her conclusions are incorrect” particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions from wood heaters. They go into considerable detail to show why “her conclusions cannot be supported”.. This Comment entitled: Comments on “Australian wood heaters currently increase global warming and health costs” by Phil Polglase, Keryn Paul and Mick Meyer is written by scientists who work in related areas of research within CSIRO ie, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences and CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research. These comments can be found at: http://www.atmospolres.com/articles/Volume3/issue2/APR-12-028.pdf
Australian Home Heating Association has issued the following press release in relation to the comment by these three CSIRO scientists:
“Newer, low emission wood heaters are an environmentally responsible home heating solution. In addition to being the most cost effective form of domestic heating, later model wood heaters emit fewer particles and have the lowest greenhouse emissions when compared with heating alternatives.
“Today, you can choose a cleaner and greener wood heater that exceeds the most stringent Australian Standards and even outperform the tighter standards imposed by Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC).
“New generation wood heater owners and prospective buyers can be confident that if properly used, in conjunction with well seasoned firewood, air quality in Armidale will not be compromised.” etc. (Polglase et al, 2012). The full press release can be found at: http://www.homeheat.com.au/pdf/new_model_wood_heaters_are_a_sound_environmental_investment_may_2012_copy1.pdf
Bruce Whan,
Retiring Councillor
