In: Biology
"Provided our consumption does not exceed its natural level of production, the burning of biomass should generate no more heat and create no more carbon dioxide than would have been formed in any case by natural processes."
What do you think about this in terms of long-term wood burning to heat homes in rural areas?
Specifically under what circumstances would you consider this acceptable or unacceptable?
Long term wood burning is a issue related to direct and indirect impact on environment and human health . In rural areas ,it is used to heat homes ,it is dangerous because it release several toxicants such as PAH,CO ,CO2 etc. These toxicants are harmful for human health . The wood burning results in indoor pollution . As we know for wood burning ,forest has been cut and it causes a negative effect on a healthy environment . In today's scenario we cannot control the composition of carbon dioxide because it is increasing day by day . If we started planting trees ,then also we are still not capable to control its emission . It is acceptable in areas where wood burning is a special need such as cold areas and people are also taking care of environment . As like other practices it is not that much harmful for environment but still its practice in bigger context may harm environment . Long term use of it leave impact on environment . Gases emitted from burning are harmful . It has certain consequences .
It is not acceptable ,if this wood burning is continuous and is harming nature significantly by cutting down forest resources. It is acceptable when a community after using wood from forest also plant trees and take care of the environmental resources . Some communities are there who are very much aware about the environmental issue and are trying there best to rebuild our resources.