Cooking Shouldn't Kill
By Lucy Rose Davidoff on 01/28/2011 @ 02:00 PM
Every day women across the globe spend hours cooking over primitive indoor stoves fueled by wood, coal and sometimes even dung. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution caused by such cooking methods is the fourth greatest health risk factor in developing countries, after poor nutrition, unsafe sex, and unclean water and sanitation. The hours of inhaled toxic smoke and air lead to nearly two million deaths a year from pneumonia (the number one killer worldwide), heart disease, and low birth weight. Not only is this a global health problem but the deforestation and carbon emissions produced from these indoor stoves is also considered by many to be the second largest contributor to global warming and climate change.
A long neglected issue in global health and environment, indoor air pollution is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Last September, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves with the goal of distributing clean and effective stoves to 100 million homes by 2020. The alliance is a public-private partnership led by the United Nations Foundation. As Secretary Clinton pointed out in her speech at the Clinton Global Initiative, “Whether you’re passionate about health or the environment or sustainable development or women’s empowerment, this is a project for you, and we need you.”
Unlike many risk factors for health such as smoking and obesity, cooking is not an option. One cannot decide to quit cooking the way you can choose to stop drinking alcohol or smoking. These cookstoves provide women with a safe, sanitary cooking environment. The U.S. has pledged $50 million dollars over the next five years and over $10 million more has been raised by participating countries such as Germany, Norway and Peru, in addition to many non-profits and businesses.
Indoor cooking is still a low-profile issue and one of the most important components of bringing a quick and low-cost end to it is that of education and awareness. The problem was recently highlighted on the Martha Stewart Show where the issue was presented by Aaron Sherinian of the United Nations Foundation. Sherinian underscored the basic truth that “cooking shouldn’t kill, but for many women and families around the world it does. Everyone can get involved and tell the world that this issue matters and should be at the top of the global agenda.”
These efficient, affordable cookstoves cost only $25 each and they result in healthier families and stronger communities. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit cleancookstoves.org
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