What if you spend several hours of your day looking for wood to be able to cook? In 2024, 2.4 billion people, predominantly women, continue to cook over open fires fueled by wood, charcoal, or dung. This archaic practice not only contributes to deforestation but also leads to dire health consequences, with an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths annually due to exposure to particulate pollution. Nowhere is this crisis more acute than in Sub-Saharan Africa, where four out of five individuals lack access to clean cooking solutions, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.
Photo: Karan Singh Rathore / www.sanjhi.org
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The reliance on dirty cooking methods is far-reaching. Pollution-related diseases, ranging from respiratory ailments to cardiovascular conditions have a heavy toll on human development. Women and children are the first victims of these health burdens, further exacerbating gender disparities and hindering opportunities for education and economic empowerment. The urgency to address this pressing issue is real, as it represents not only a humanitarian crisis but also a significant barrier to sustainable development.
The recent IEA Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa has been seen as a key opportunity for global leaders, rich-country governments, and international organisations to commit to providing the necessary funding and support. Co-chaired by leaders from Tanzania, Norway, the African Development Bank, and the International Energy Agency, it has mobilized an unprecedented USD 2.2 billion in financial pledges to address the pressing challenge of clean cooking access. With over 1,000 delegates in attendance and the endorsement of more than 100 countries and organisations the summit is a pivotal moment in the global effort to prioritise clean cooking access, particularly for the over 1bn people in Africa who currently lack it. By investing in clean cooking technologies and infrastructure, we not only mitigate the adverse effects of indoor air pollution but also pave the way for a more equitable society. It's time to focus on viable solutions that already exist. Modern bioethanol stoves, for example, are a clean and efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods, significantly reducing both emissions and fuel costs. But affordability remains a challenge, compounded by entrenched gender norms that undervalue women's domestic labor and limit their control over household budgets. To truly effect change, innovative financing mechanisms, coupled with grassroots education initiatives, are essential. Let's hope that this landmark agreement can be the start of a powerful change.
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I do believe that access to clean cooking especially in the African countries could reduce deforestation and as a result reduce the amount of co2
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@jane_wangui I completely agree! Access to clean cooking can significantly cut deforestation and lower CO2 emissions in Africa. It's a vital step for both health and the environment.
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The focus on clean cooking at the IEA Summit marks a pivotal moment in addressing a pressing global challenge.
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@johnte_ndeto Absolutely agree!π―
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Clean cooking is crucial for health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The IEA Summit on Clean Cooking mobilized funds and support to address this pressing issue, marking a pivotal moment in advancing the green plan by promoting clean energy solutions for all. We might manage to help everyone to clean cooking measures
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@munene_mugambi tackling the deeply entrenched issue of reliance on traditional cooking methods is worthwhile efforts.
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@munene_mugambi You are right!β
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@johnte_ndeto There should be clear and sustainable measures to tackle this issue. Otherwise it might take a long time.
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access to clean cooking is the biggest challenge across Africa, pushing this agenda will help us achieve clean cooking
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@annett_michuki indeed, clean and sustainable cooking has been a stumbling block to many African families due to economic restraints even when they are willing to adopt such practices. We need to get past that hurdle
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@annett_michuki The staggering statistic of 3.2 million premature deaths annually due to exposure to particulate pollution highlights the human cost of inaction.
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@annett_michuki True! Leaders from Africa have a big role to play in this!
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@annett_michuki It will only help if there is a goodwill from our leaders from Africa.
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This is a pivotal moment in the fight against indoor air pollution and the pursuit of clean cooking solutions! π₯πΏ Let's continue pushing for affordable and accessible clean cooking technologies to empower communities and protect our planet.
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@george_kariuki It is a noble initiative that will achieve sustainability without a doubt.
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@george_kariuki If we can all adopt clean cooking techniques worldwide, we'd take out a huge portion of emissions from unsustainable practices that are in use at the moment. We need to seriously back this process.
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@george_kariuki it'll also break the cycle of poverty and inequality that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly women and children.
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@joseph_githinji ππ
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Great news for communities living in Sub-Saharan Africa who have a chance to gain access in clean cooking methods. This is for sure a game changer for those living in the lowest cadre to have a chance in making our environment livable.
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@joseph_githinji The summit's emphasis on clean cooking solutions signals a shift towards innovative approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability.
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@joseph_githinji Agree! This will greatly boost our great journey towards transitioning towards clean energy!
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@johnte_ndeto Green innovation has it all.π
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Investing in clean cooking technology will be a game changer, it will save lives of many and the planet as well
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@elizbeth_gathigia A great way to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Africa.
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@elizbeth_gathigia adoption of clean cooking technologies and practices, such as clean cookstoves and renewable energy sources, the summit lays the groundwork for transformative change.
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@elizbeth_gathigia ππ
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@joseph_githinji Partly agree, this is also attributed by other underlying issues....
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This is indeed a turning point.Poverty remains the sole reason at to why africa is still depends on firewood and charcoal as a source of fuel.Pledging to pump USD 2.2 Dollars into clean energy will be a game changer as it will not only safe africans from deaths brought about by these fuels but also reduce significantly CO2 emmissions into the atmosphere
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@rukia_ahmed_abdi These solutions reduce reliance on finite resources like wood.
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@johnte_ndeto True!ππ
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The lack of access to clean cooking solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa is a complex issue with significant environmental and health consequences that require urgent attention and action. Addressing this challenge is important for enhancing the quality of life for millions and fostering sustainable development in the region.
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@walter_lungayi hope this funds will be invested religiously and this problems wont be an issue in the future, poverty is an enemy that must be dealt with to save our environment.
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@walter_lungayi it also improve indoor air quality, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of people.
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Great to see that the issue of clean cooking is gaining traction, particularly at the IEA Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa.
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@princess_nel_268 It is a great conservation that must be followed with actions to enhance sustainability.
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@princess_nel_268 the collective commitment demonstrated at the summit, from governments to civil society organizations and private sector stakeholders, bodes well for future progress.
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This is a real turning point ,will provide amazing clean energy cooking solutions for homes in Africa.
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@Kevin By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, there is an opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean cooking across Africa and beyond.
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@Kevin Clean energy all the way!