Hello charcoal world!

Charcoal.

You may not think much about it. But if you care about public health, poverty alleviation, and the environment, then it’s a big deal.

Why? Because more than two billion people use wood, charcoal, dung or agricultural resides as primary fuel for their cooking and heating needs, leading to significant health, economic and environmental consequences.

Consider these stats presented by MIT’s Amy Smith:

• Almost 2 million deaths each year are caused by breathing smoke from indoor cooking fires [1]

• Respiratory infections are the leading cause of death of young children worldwide.[2]

• An estimated 50 billion hours are spent collecting firewood each year. That’s as if the entire workforce of the State of California worked full time for a year doing nothing but fetching water! (Not sure exactly how they’d fetch water, but that’s another issue…) [3]

• In some areas where wood and charcoal are scarce, more than a quarter of a family’s income is spent on fuel.

• Charcoal production is an important contributing factor in the deforestation of the tropical belt. Deforestation accounts for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s more than the emissions produced by trains, planes, ships, cars, and trucks worldwide. (My note)

The Charcoal Project is a web-based resource that explores the challenges and solutions facing charcoal production and its impacts around the world.

At The Charcoal Project we  want to discuss all aspects of the issue. But we are especially eager to connect individuals and communities on the ground willing to share their experiences producing energy efficient stoves and manufacturing biofuels brickets.

You will also find here stories and ideas that are not directly connect to charcoal production and consumption. For example, we might explore legislative issues, an interesting study, a look at alternative fuels, or even put up a slideshow or video. So please send us content you wish to share!

And thank you for being patient while we build this blog!

J. Kim Chaix

The Charcoal Project

Brooklyn, NY

USA

DISCLAIMER: The Charcoal Project is a private, individual effort and is not affiliated with any institution, government, or company. It is intended as a public service whose purpose is to connect all those interested in this topic. We try to credit all sources of information and welcome our readers to report any errors or oversight. Thank you for supporting us!

Banner photo: bhairav/iStock

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