Uganda is promoting the shift to electric cooking technologies, significantly supported by UNEP, to reduce health risks from traditional cooking methods and combat climate change. With solar-powered systems, families like Christine Kagimu’s are finding eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to charcoal stoves. The initiative targets extensive adoption by 2040, aiming for improved public health and environmental sustainability.
In Uganda, Christine Kagimu, a mother of six, has recently transitioned to using an electric-powered induction cooker, alleviating her reliance on charcoal stoves. Supported by solar panels, this energy-efficient cooking method not only reduces her expenses—since a bag of charcoal can cost around US$50—but also guarantees a sustainable energy source. As part of a nationwide initiative backed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Uganda aims to address air pollution, slow deforestation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
The impact of traditional cooking methods is severe, as over two billion people still depend on solid fuels, leading to catastrophic health issues and approximately 3.2 million deaths annually due to household air pollution. The burning of charcoal and other non-renewable fuels significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and resulting in substantial deforestation.
The UNEP highlights the importance of promoting clean cooking solutions, as solar-powered technologies can mitigate emissions by 2-4 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually per stove. In line with the Paris Agreement, countries are encouraged to set strict targets for clean cooking within their climate commitments, with Uganda having established specific goals to boost electric cooking solutions in its national strategy.
Uganda’s initiative also aims to improve the lives of its 1.7 million refugees by facilitating access to solar electric cooking technologies, aided by the Africa-wide Solar Electric Cooking Partnership for Humanitarian Contexts. This partnership seeks to provide affordable solar cooking options for 250,000 households by 2030, particularly benefiting refugees and hosting communities.
Justine Akumu, Senior Energy Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy, emphasizes the need for innovative financing models to make clean cooking accessible to rural communities. For instance, Kagimu financed her electric cooking system through a structured payment plan, projecting significant cost savings over time while reducing her daily workload in cooking.
The International Day of Clean Energy, occurring on 26 January, serves as a platform to enhance awareness regarding the transition to clean energy. UNEP is actively working to meet and exceed the goals of the Paris Agreement, promoting sustainable practices across multiple sectors to simultaneously safeguard the planet and improve quality of life for communities.
Uganda’s transition to electric cooking technologies represents a crucial step toward reducing health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods while combating climate change. The involvement of UNEP and international partnerships highlights a concerted effort to expand access to clean energy solutions, particularly for vulnerable communities, including refugees. By prioritizing innovation in financing and technology, Uganda aims to ensure a sustainable future for its citizens and the environment.
Original Source: www.unep.org
