Air Pollution through Clean Cooking

We are delighted to invite you to the 4th session of the Talk Series – Phase III on Transitioning to Modern Energy for Cooking: Tackling Air Pollution through Clean Cooking. The session would be conducted in virtual mode and is being organized by the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme, through its In-country partner – India, Finovista with the aims to identify, discuss and explore avenues to address the specific challenges in the transition to clean cooking.

Air pollution is a significant global health concern, with millions of people exposed to harmful pollutants, and in India, there is a near consensus in the published scientific literature that the single largest source of air pollution exposure is the households across the country burning solid fuels like firewood in their homes for cooking, heating and other energy requirements. At the global level, as per IEA report 2021, about 2.4 billion people use unclean cooking fuels (UCF), such as wood, biomass, coal, charcoal, and agricultural residues, for cooking because they lack access to modern energy sources. A majority of population using unclean fuels for cooking is in low- and middle-income countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Household air pollution (HAP) caused by burning UCF is estimated to be responsible for 2.3 million deaths worldwide each year. HAP is estimated to impose a global economic burden through lost productivity and spending on the healthcare of more than $2.4 trillion each year In India, 20% to 50% of outdoor pollution is the result of households cooking and heating . In low-income and rural areas, traditional cooking methods involve open fires or rudimentary stoves. While these methods have been ingrained in cultural practices for generations, they come at a significant cost to health. The incomplete combustion of solid fuels releases harmful pollutants that can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, visual impairment, and other health issues, particularly affecting women and children who spend more time in proximity to the cooking area.

Using modern cooking technology is, thus considered a vital intervention and a critical step toward improving global public health and environmental sustainability. Some of the improved cook-stoves that held promise a decade ago have not proven to be long-term solutions. It may reduce pollution emissions, but not enough to make them safe for daily use inside homes. By embracing innovations like induction cooktops, and solar cookers, communities can effectively transition away from traditional cooking practices that contribute to indoor air pollution. With concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and local communities, a cleaner and healthier future is within reach, where the simple act of cooking does not compromise the air we breathe. e-Cooking, which a few years ago were accessible only in middle and high-income countries, are now within reach in Asia and Africa. This session would also focus on policy framework and other government initiatives to improve air quality and how clean cooking solutions can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and climate change.

MECS Programme is a UK Aid (FCDO) funded global research programme led by Loughborough University and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). MECS is implementing a strategy focused on including the cooking needs of households in the investment and action on ‘access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy for all’. The programme is also supporting India to emerge as a Global Hub for manufacturing clean cooking devices for domestic and international markets, aligned to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India mission and also with the objectives of the GoElectric and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign launched by the Government of India.

The Talk Series has evolved into a crucial platform for promoting the adoption of modern energy for cooking. It has been successful in uniting several stakeholders from the clean cooking domain and related sectors to engage in discussions on the challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy support needed for developing ecosystem of the Modern Energy-based Clean Cooking Sector in India. The Talk series is thoughtfully structured in phases, with each phase consisting of 12 sessions. After successful completion of Phase I & II Talk Series which comprised of 24 sessions altogether, the Phase III of the Talk Series has been launched.