Abstract:
Globally, 41% of households, over 2.8 billion people, rely on solid fuels (coal and biomass) for cooking and heating. In developing
countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa where these fuels are predominantly used, women who are customarily responsible for cooking, and
their young children, are most exposed to the resulting air pollution. Solid fuels are still in widespread use and it appears that intervention
efforts are not keeping pace with population growth in developing countries. Here we pinpoint the challenges and identify opportunities
for addressing household air pollution while mitigating global climate change and promoting the sustainable development goals.
We recommend the following actions: implementation of the WHO indoor air quality guidelines on household fuel combustion; effective
promotion and dissemination of improved cookstoves through formation of country alliances for clean cookstoves; expansion of liquefied
petroleum gas production facilities and distribution networks; harnessing renewable energy potential; promotion of biogas production at
both household and community level; ensuring improved ventilation of homes through education and enforcement of building standards;
and exploiting opportunities in the health and other sectors for changing health-damaging cooking behaviour.
