Cooks are seen working over open fires at the bustling Kivukoni fish market in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This traditional method of cooking is not only a cultural practice but also a significant health and environmental concern.
A global meeting in France is set to address the critical issue of the lack of access to clean cooking methods worldwide. This issue leads to millions of deaths annually and contributes to the acceleration of global warming.
According to a recent 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 while cooking on rudimentary stoves or open fires. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The report also reveals that 3.7 million people die prematurely each year due to the harmful effects of traditional cooking practices, with children and women being the most vulnerable. The Paris gathering aims to shift the narrative and prioritize sustainable and innovative cooking technologies.
Laura Cozzi, the sustainability and technology director at IEA, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, stating that it intersects with gender equality, forestry conservation, climate change, energy access, and public health.
A significant portion of the global population relies on fuels like wood, charcoal, coal, animal dung, and agricultural waste for cooking, unknowingly exposing themselves to toxic fumes. This meeting serves as a crucial step towards addressing this pressing global challenge.
Original post from phys.org on 2024-05-13 07:51:03.