News Summary: Greeks turn to wood-burning
News Summary: Forests and air quality suffer as Greeks burn more wood for heat
FUELING CONTROVERSY: A steep increase in heating costs has led many Greeks to switch from heating oil to wood-burning. Illegal loggers are slashing through forests already devastated by years of wildfires. Air pollution is choking the country's main cities.
UP IN SMOKE: Greece's leading medical association is demanding urgent action to clear the air. Warnings have largely been ignored because burning wood provides the same warmth as heating oil, for roughly half the cost.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE: Distributors say sales of heating oil are nearly 80 percent down this winter, and new firewood yards have mushroomed all over Athens.
