HerDithy: Cutting Carbon Emissions #10

Increased deforestation and forest degradation have been propelled by the increasing demand for fuelwood and charcoal. Burning solid fuels such as wood emits some of the most significant contributors to global climate change; carbon dioxide, methane, and other ozone-producing gases such as carbon monoxide and black carbon. Sounds like another chemistry class? Awesome. 😊

The use of solid fuels and kerosene is one of the leading sources of household air pollution in Kenya. Fossil fuels such as kerosene contribute to climate change with a high concentration of indoor air pollution increases the risk of acute respiratory infections. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program, household fuel use in Kenya currently contributes 22-35 million tonnes of CO2 each year and is equivalent to 30-40 percent of total Kenya greenhouse gas emissions.

The use of solid fuels and kerosene in traditional and inefficient stoves such as open fires, which leads to the emission of large amounts of air pollutants. This has been observed in low-income households across the country.  Acute lower respiratory infections are considered the second largest cause of death and are linked to 26 percent of all deaths reported in hospitals in Kenya, where women and children are most affected. Other diseases linked to household air pollution exposure include chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and stroke. Lower Respiratory infections such as pneumonia and acute bronchitis have been the greatest contributor to household air pollution-related deaths in Kenya.

The demand for fuelwood and charcoal has long been associated with increased deforestation, forest degradation, and reducing carbon uptake by forests. Over half of all wood harvested worldwide is used as fuel. Enhancing efficiency in forest operations and products can address the direct and indirect drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. This also creates an opportunity to build political momentum for new transformative and innovative policies.

Many of today’s more efficient cookstoves have been shown to reduce fuel use by 30-60 percent, and provide cleaner, more complete combustion, which can result in fewer greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions and reduce impacts on forests. The use of clean and efficient stoves such as JikOkoa will make a significant climate impact in low-income households. Increased fuel efficiency, and the introduction of alternative fuels, and utilizing renewable fuel sources can reduce climate emissions.

Bringing in more clean technology, reducing reliance on wood fuel, increasing tree cover, and enhancing energy and resource efficiency across all sectors will make the difference and move Kenya closer to fulfilling its commitment to the Paris Agreement. The Ministry of Energy is committed to ensuring universal access to clean cooking solutions by 2028. This will ensure carbon emissions are cut by 30 percent come 2030. Improving the health of Kenya`s environment is vital to protect our threatened forest resources by aligning to its national policy framework and development strategy

                                        





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