This year the Greek government decided to equalize the price of central heating oil and diesel by drastically raising taxes. A direct consequence of this policy is rising air pollution, as households turn to wood as their heat source.

In spite of its reputation as a sun kissed nation, Greece suffers from cold winters. Northern Greece even has ski resorts. Badly insulated homes can make temperatures indoors colder than outside.

Due to the prohibitive cost of central heating oil, Greek households have turned to wood burning stoves and fireplaces as their primary form of heat. This has resulted in a stark rise in air pollution, notably in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki. According to Proto Thema smog has clouded the cities, with air pollution measuring three times more than normal.

via Greece: Air pollution soars as households turn to wood for heat.