Welsh Government and Wrexham Council have their say on ‘Clean Air Night’ campaign

The Welsh Government has given its support to a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the damage wood burning can cause.

The first Clean Air Night, taking place on Wednesday 24 January, has been organised by Global Action Plan.

It aims to “shine a light on the uncomfortable truth about wood burning” by raising awareness of the damage caused to “your health, wallet and the planet.”

According to campaigners “for the same amount of heat or energy, burning wood releases more carbon dioxide that oil or gas. It can take decades for trees to regrow and reabsorb the carbon emitted by burning wood. Cutting down trees for fuel destroys forests, damages ecosystems and leads to biodiversity loss.”

Earlier this week we asked Wrexham Council and Welsh Government if they were supporting the campaign.

A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed that is backing Clean Air Night and will be promoting the campaign via its social media channels and sharing the message with local authorities.

The Welsh Government is also listed on the Clean Air Hub website as a “founder supporter.”

The spokesperson added: “We are committed to improving air quality and reducing the impacts of air pollution on human health, biodiversity, the natural environment and our economy.

“Following the passing of the Air Quality and Soundscapes Bill, we have a duty to promote awareness of the harms and effects of air quality on public health and the environment.

“By supporting this campaign, we can take the first step in delivering this duty and highlight the negative effects wood burning in the home can have on people’s health and the environment.”

However Wrexham Council agreed that whilst wood burners could have a negative impact on health, it is important that residents have a variety of options to heat their homes – particularly during the cost of living crisis.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: “We agree that the increasing use of wood burners have the potential to increase exposure to fine particulates which has recognised impacts on health, however there is currently insufficient information available to determine the extent of any impacts on the health of local communities where numbers of these burners are situated in close proximity.

“We understand that there are conflicting issues and a need to provide residents with a range of options for heating homes, particularly during this period of increasing electric and gas prices

“We take the health of residents very seriously as well as our duties under the Air Quality Regulations.

“Monitoring results are reviewed on an ongoing basis to determine whether action needs be taken by us to reduce levels.

“Locations are reviewed on at least an annual basis to determine whether sites need moving or new sites require monitoring.

“Both the results and monitoring locations will continue to be submitted to the Welsh Government for an independent review.

“Further details can be found on the Council’s website  https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/air-quality”

More information about Clean Air Night can be found here and on social media.