Barry Vann

Publication Date

8-1990

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Conrad Moore, Stuart Foster, Wayne Hoffman

Degree Program

Department of Geography and Geology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify factors that contribute to wood fuel consumption as a space heating source and estimate a county-wide proportion for wood fuel consuming households. In addition, environmental problems associated with deforestation such as erosion and loss of wildlife habitat are delineated; moreover, air pollution resulting from wood fuel emissions are discussed.

An exhaustive literature review provided the basis for the study. Data on Warren County wood fuel consumption patterns were derived from a mail survey. Proportion estimates were tested by using a classical two-tail test of hypothesis. Subsequently, factors were identified and used in a multiple regression analysis.

The study found that low income households equipped with electric space heating systems located in rural areas are the most wood intensive. Unlike homes equipped with other alternate heating systems, electric space heat equipped households tend to consume wood fuel proportionally to income. The study also found that 26.3 percent of single family residences in the county use wood for space heating.

Disciplines

Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Sciences | Geography | Human Geography | Natural Resource Economics | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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