Global Leaders Meet to Address Lack of Access to Clean Cooking Methods and Its Impact on Health and Climate Change
The lack of access to clean cooking methods is a global issue that affects billions of people worldwide. In a meeting held in France, representatives from fifty countries gathered to address this pressing concern, which not only leads to millions of premature deaths each year but also contributes significantly to global warming.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank (ADB), approximately 2.3 billion people in 128 countries are exposed to harmful smoke when cooking on basic stoves or open fires. This exposure leads to 3.7 million premature deaths annually, with children and women being the most vulnerable.
The use of fuels such as wood, charcoal, coal, animal dung, and agricultural waste for cooking releases harmful fumes that pollute indoor and outdoor air. These fine particles can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including cancer and strokes. In fact, cooking practices using these fuels are the third highest cause of premature deaths globally and the second highest in Africa.
Furthermore, the reliance on traditional cooking methods hinders women and children from accessing education and earning a wage, as they spend hours collecting fuel. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality in many communities.
Switching to clean cooking methods, such as LPG or electric cooking, could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030. Subsidized LPG and free stoves in countries like China, India, and Indonesia have already shown positive results in increasing access to clean cooking. However, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa remains dire, with four out of five households still using highly polluting cooking fuels.
To address this issue, the IEA emphasizes the need for financial backing to support a major push towards clean cooking solutions. The estimated $8 billion needed annually worldwide is a fraction of global energy investment and could have a significant impact on health, emissions, and development. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, $4 billion is required to improve access to clean cooking.
In addition to financial support, strong national leadership and grassroots efforts are essential to change social norms and promote the adoption of clean cooking methods. By investing in clean cooking solutions, we can not only save lives but also mitigate the impacts of global warming and promote sustainable development worldwide.