Home / Environment / UK Eyes Wood Burner Ban Amid Air Quality Crisis
UK Eyes Wood Burner Ban Amid Air Quality Crisis
2 Dec
Summary
- UK plans to cut PM2.5 emissions by 30% by 2030.
- Domestic combustion accounts for a fifth of PM2.5 emissions.
- New measures aim to reduce pollution from burning solid fuels.
The UK government is initiating a consultation to address concerns over domestic burning's contribution to air pollution. A key objective is to achieve a 30% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations by 2030, aligning with stricter environmental targets. Domestic combustion was identified as responsible for a substantial fifth of PM2.5 emissions in 2023, a pollutant linked to serious health issues.
These proposed measures aim to cut emissions from burning solid fuels, especially in urban areas, while carefully considering the needs of those who rely on burning for warmth or traditional practices, such as Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations. The updated Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is expected to bring UK standards closer to those in the European Union.
Campaigners like Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter died from an asthma attack attributed to air pollution, have welcomed the new PM2.5 target as a positive step. While not yet fully achieving 'Ella's Law' for clean air by 2030, this development signifies progress towards WHO air quality guidelines and is seen as a win for public health.
