While his essay is thought provoking and makes some valid points, he has oversimplified the moral equation in at least two ways. It is not clear that in many a

While his essay is thought provoking and makes some valid points, he has oversimplified the moral equation in at least two ways. It is not clear that in many areas burning wood (especially using modern catalytic converter efficient wood stoves) would raise air pollutants above background levels due to car/ truck/ airplane exhaust, coal fired power plants, forest fires/ controlled burns, and the burning of sugar cane and other crops (not to mention indoor dust and other non combustion air pollutants). Also heating and cooking with wood using a modern wood stove can significantly lower one's carbon footprint compared to alternatives.