The Gas Stove Kerfuffle

Ummmm....climate change, anyone?

In recent days, the cyberverse has been fraught with polemics about gas stoves. Lowly gas stoves.

One thing I don’t see amidst the histrionics is any reference to climate change.

Big picture: natural gas is a fossil fuel. It is comprised mostly of methane, which is far more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

Not only that: natural gas is prone to escape over the course of both production and transmission. These inadvertant discharges mean that methane is constantly being vented directly into the atmosphere, never even reaching its intended destinations for burning.

If we are to be serious about curbing climate change, then it is axiomatic that we must burn less stuff – including natural gas. Accordingly, I think it is apparent that we must curtail its use.

That leads to the overarching need for thoughtful and reasonable and nuanced and practical plans for phasing out the use of most gas appliances. This includes (over time) household items that use the fuel: furnaces, clothes dryers, water heaters – and yes, kitchen stoves.

The process can begin with a planned halt to the installation of gas units in all newly constructed buildings. Financial incentives for the purchase of electric appliances might be devised. Graduated sunset dates for the manufacture and installation of gas appliances could also be employed.

One hopes that calm and reason may yet overcome most of the current hype and hysteria associated with gas stoves. Ah, yes, pity gas stoves. They are the faux indignation du jour.