Uganda is promoting electric cooking technologies, supported by UNEP, to reduce air pollution and emissions. Switching from solid fuels to solar-powered cooking can save lives and forests. The target is for 50% of the population to use electric cooking by 2040, including refugees. The International Day of Clean Energy on January 26 highlights the importance of this transition.
In Uganda, the transition to electric cooking technologies is gaining momentum, fueled by a national initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Families like that of Christine Kagimu, who recently upgraded from charcoal stoves to electric induction cookers powered by solar panels, are among those reaping benefits. This shift, prompted by the volatility of charcoal prices and the need to reduce emissions, aspires to enhance health outcomes and environmental sustainability.
The reliance on solid fuels for cooking continues to pose significant health risks, with household air pollution resulting in approximately 3.2 million deaths annually, including substantial child fatalities. As the demand for firewood grows, it contributes to deforestation, with millions of hectares of forests lost each year. The UNEP advocates for a shift to clean cooking solutions, highlighting the urgent need to address these issues.
Research has shown that solar-powered cooking can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2-4 tonnes annually per stove. This impact is comparable to the emissions produced by a car in a year. Encouraging nations to incorporate clean-cooking goals into their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement could lead to substantial environmental benefits.
Uganda’s commitment is clear, setting a target for 50% of its population to adopt electric cooking by 2040, including support for over 1.7 million refugees transitioning to these technologies. The SOLCO initiative aims to facilitate access for 250,000 refugee families in Africa, emphasizing affordable payment plans to increase adoption in rural areas.
Kagimu’s experience with her electric cooking system demonstrates the personal and financial benefits of this transition. After saving for months, she financed her $300 system partly through credit, anticipating significant long-term savings and ease in cooking. This user-friendly technology represents a leap toward more efficient and healthier cooking practices.
The International Day of Clean Energy celebrates advancements in transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions. UNEP plays a critical role in supporting the global efforts necessary to meet the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals, establishing a roadmap that encompasses energy, agriculture, transport, and other vital sectors to mitigate climate warming.
Uganda’s initiative towards clean cooking has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts. By promoting solar electric cooking technologies, the country aims to alleviate reliance on polluting fuels and enhance overall household health. Supporting innovations that facilitate this transition, particularly for vulnerable populations like refugees, is essential for achieving national and global climate goals.
Original Source: www.unep.org
