New report shows need for urgent measures to tackle soot in developing countries – LP Gas poses an attractive alternative

A new report showing the amount of soot in the atmosphere is double what was previously known also demonstrates urgent measures must be taken to rein in the climate damage from these harmful particles, such as more widespread use of LP Gas for cooking, heating, and transport.

In the study, published on Wednesday 16 January 2013 in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, scientists proved that soot may have twice the warming effect on the climate as previous estimates made in 2007. Soot is caused by burning, amongst other things, diesel in engines and wood or other kinds of biomass. Soot, also known as black carbon, is widely regarded as the second most damaging agent of global warming and its level is rising in developing countries.

To help curb the alarming build-up of soot in the atmosphere from cooking with biomass and solid fuels, the World LP Gas Association (WLPGA) has launched a new campaign. Called COOKING FOR LIFE, the campaign aims to convert one billion people from cooking with wood, coal and charcoal to LP Gas by 2030 and thus significantly reduce the emissions of black carbon.

“This report adds new-found urgency for the world to take the issue of black carbon seriously,” said WLPGA CEO, James Rockall. “One solution available today is LP Gas. It is an exceptional energy which emits zero black carbon. Because it is portable, LP Gas can be used in any setting, from a dense urban area to a tiny, remote mountain village. We will be taking this message to our partners, governments and development agencies in the most affected countries.”