India’s “National Biomass Cook Stove Initiative” is an exciting opportunity for the U.S. to contribute to India’s longstanding efforts to tackle the problem of indoor air pollution in India while enhancing the lives of all Indians, says US Ambassdor to India Timothy J Roemer. He was speaking at a technical consultation on 'Advanced Cook Stoves for Improved Health of Women and Children' in New Delhi organized by USAID to address health and environment outcomes associated with use of traditional open fire cook stoves.(Picture: Ambassador Timothy Roemer and Indian Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Mr. Farooq Abdullah)
The event saw participation from eminent academicians, business and government officials and experts from civil society & development sector. The discussions focused around the potential and opportunities for moving forward with improved, cleaner and healthier cook stoves in India.
Speaking on the event, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer said:
“The United States of America welcomes the bold announcement of India’s ‘National Biomass Cook Stoves Initiative’ – quite likely the largest initiative of its kind in the world.
India’s “National Biomass Cook Stove Initiative” is an exciting opportunity for the U.S. to contribute to India’s longstanding efforts to tackle the problem of indoor air pollution in India while enhancing the lives of all Indians. Working together, we can make efficient and healthy cook stoves accessible to all.
Sharing a meal unites families, friends, and communities every day in every corner of the world. And yet, in so many parts of the world and in so many communities in India, the simple act of preparing a traditional meal and nourishing a family can expose the household and neighborhood to increased levels of pollution.
Because women are usually responsible for food preparation, the reality is that the majority of those exposed to indoor air pollution are women – and the young children who spend their days with their mothers around the cook stove. Yet, women often play a critical decision making role with respect to household energy resources. And when women control decisions related to the kitchen and cooking, it can lead to investment in alternatives, like improved cook stoves which not only benefit their families, but their communities.
Every year in India, exposure to smoke from solid fuels contributes to nearly
440,000 deaths in children under five years and more than 34,000 deaths from chronic respiratory disease in women. That is close to half a million women and children.
The saddest part of this story is that these deaths are largely preventable and the effects of indoor air pollution on our communities and planet can be ameliorated with the efforts of those of you represented here today.
I have long been very deeply concerned about the harmful effects of indoor air pollution on the health and wellbeing of men, women, and children, as well as on our environment. It is a well documented fact that open cook stoves without chimneys, or chulhas, as they are called in India, are a major contributor to indoor air pollution throughout the world.
This is not only an Indian problem, but as a global power, India can lead the way to a solution for her own citizens and others at risk around the world.
Since my arrival in India, I’ve looked for opportunities in all areas where our two great nations can come together. Today is one of the many, I hope, results of that search. We’ve got some of the best minds currently working on improved cook stoves here in this room today and I urge you to work together to find a way forward for the health of our communities and our planet.
Today’s conference brings us one step closer to developing safe and affordable cook stoves that honor the cooking traditions so important to families throughout India while protecting the health and safety of these families and our environment."
Photo Courtesy: US Embassy Photo Gallery
