ANNOUNCEMENTS
Exploring the use of improved cooking methods in Assam, Northeast India where traditional cooking methods using solid fuels face significant challenges due to indoor air pollution. According to the WHO, the burning of solid fuel in rural households is responsible for a significant proportion of respiratory diseases and premature death. Promoting adoption of improved cookstoves in Assam is an opportunity to address these issues. A structured questionnaire was designed for the local population. The results show that compared to traditional cookstoves, the use of improved stoves significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants and contributes to cleaner air quality in indoor pollution and hard work in the collection of fuel for cooking. In addition, the study compared estimates of health impacts associated with traditional cooking practices and emphasized the need for interventions to mitigate the health risks posed by indoor air pollutants and improve overall well-being, ultimately leading to a healthier and sustainable future for its communities. The Sustained utilization of improved cookstoves can contribute to the accomplishment of several sustainable development goals (SDGs). The practice of Improved cookstoves is related to SDG 7, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Additionally, the manufacturing and distribution of improved cookstoves create occupational opportunities and stimulate local economies. Improved cookstoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and reduce the amount of fuel needed and are more affordable for households. It also helps to halt the rapidly progressing deforestation and the adverse environmental effects of traditional cookstoves. The use of Improve cookstoves is related to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Traditional cooking methods often require women and girls to spend long hours gathering firewood for cooking, which limits their opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Improved cookstoves reduce the time and effort required to cook for households, allowing women and girls to participate in other production activities and improve their economic and social status. The utilization of ICS is associated with SDG 3, which endeavors to attain the objective of promoting good health and well-being for families residing in households. Improved cookstoves play a significant role in preventing respiratory ailments, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. These illnesses are frequently correlated with prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution emanating from conventional cookstoves, which pose safety risks, particularly in households with limited ventilation. The adoption of improved cookstoves aligns with both SDG 13 and SDG 15. Under SDG 13, improved cookstoves contribute to climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional cookstoves often rely on solid fuels, which release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants when burned. By contrast, improved cookstoves employ more efficient combustion technologies, resulting in lower emissions and reduced environmental impact. This helps mitigate climate change and supports global efforts to limit global warming. In the context of SDG 15, ICS also contributes to the conservation of life on land. Unsustainable harvesting of biomass for cooking purposes can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction. Promoting the use of ICS, which requires less fuel and reduces the demand for biomass, helps to preserve forests, protects wildlife habitats, and maintains the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Keywords: Improved cookstoves, Traditional cookstoves, Indoor air pollution, Health impact, sustainable development, climate change, Greenhouse Gas Emission.
