Uganda is promoting clean cooking technologies such as solar-powered induction cookers to improve health, reduce pollution, and combat climate change. This initiative aims for 50% of households to use electric cooking by 2040 while addressing the needs of refugees. A recent UNEP study indicates that solar cooking can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Overall, this movement offers a pathway for healthier cooking methods and sustainable energy consumption.
Christine Kagimu, a mother of six from a town near Kampala, Uganda, utilizes an electric induction cooker, powered by solar panels on her roof. This innovative technology replaces her previous charcoal stove, which not only proved expensive but also contributed to air pollution. “Charcoal gets very expensive; a bag costs around US$50,” she states. In contrast, she notes the reliability and free nature of solar energy.
A growing number of Ugandans are transitioning toward electric cooking technologies, supported by a national initiative that aims to reduce air pollution, fight deforestation, and limit greenhouse gas emissions. John Christensen, Director of the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, remarked, “It’s often overlooked but the way we cook food has huge implications not only for our health but the health of the planet.”
Currently, over two billion people depend on solid fuels such as charcoal and kerosene for cooking. This reliance contributes to significant health hazards, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually due to household air pollution, with a notably high toll among children under five. Additionally, burning non-renewable fuels is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions and forest loss.
International Day of Clean Energy, celebrated on January 26, emphasizes the importance of clean cooking fuels and technologies. A recent study highlights that solar-powered cooking can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2 to 4 tonnes annually per stove, comparable to the emissions of one car. Consequently, there are calls for nations to integrate clean cooking targets into climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement, with revised commitments expected later this year.
Under the guidance of the UNEP-led NDC Action project, Uganda has incorporated solar cooking targets into its climate strategy, aiming for 50 percent of Ugandan households to use electric cooking by 2040. Furthermore, initiatives are underway to assist the vast population of refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda in making the switch to clean cooking methods.
The Africa-wide Solar Electric Cooking Partnership for Humanitarian Contexts, backed by UNEP, strives to provide affordable solar cooking solutions for 250,000 refugee and host community households by 2030. Justine Akumu, Senior Energy Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy, emphasized the importance of innovation to make these technologies accessible to rural communities.
Kagimu was able to acquire her electric cooking system after saving for four months, utilizing a zero percent interest credit option for the remaining cost. She anticipates recouping her investment within two years, enjoying the extra time she now has by simply needing to “press a button” for cooking.
The International Day of Clean Energy advocates for a transition to inclusive clean energy solutions that benefit both people and the environment. UNEP remains actively involved in supporting global efforts to limit temperature increases in alignment with the Paris Agreement, through a detailed sectoral approach aimed at achieving climate stability.
Uganda’s initiative for clean cooking technologies represents a significant advancement in reducing health risks, protecting the environment, and supporting climate change commitments. By promoting electric cooking and solar energy, this initiative not only aims to alleviate the reliance on harmful fuels but also strives to ensure a sustainable future for Ugandans and refugees alike. The collaborative efforts between governmental and environmental organizations highlight the importance of innovative strategies in achieving climate goals while enhancing the quality of life for individuals.
Original Source: www.unep.org
