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Calls for ban on 'polluting' patio heaters Andy Bloxham People who feel cold when sat outside this summer were yesterday told by the Government to wear a jumper rather than switch on a patio heater. Phil Woolas, the Climate Change minister, made the point as he announced that there had been a tenfold rise in the outdoor heaters at pubs and restaurants since the smoking ban came into force last year. The minister said: “The official line to take is, when outside, wear a jumper.” His comments echoed those of the head of the Government’s Energy Saving Trust. Philip Selwood, the Trust’s chief executive, called for a national ban and added: “Why don’t people just wear a jumper?” Last year, the trust estimated that the number of patio heaters would double this year to 2.3 million, which would produce as much carbon dioxide as driving 200,000 cars from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Patio heaters have become a high-profile target for environmental campaigners who see heating air outdoors as a direct example of global warming. However, a leading scientist yesterday said Britain risked becoming preoccupied with “almost trivial” energy-saving plans and missing the bigger picture.
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