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Clean cooking is THE underrated climate fix the world needs

Clean cooking, despite its importance to health, gender equality, energy access and climate goals, is one of the world’s most overlooked and underfunded global challenges.

This is according to a policy brief released by the Clean Cooking Alliance, identifying regulatory possibilities to incorporate carbon credits into mainstream finance, with a focus on clean cooking projects.

According to the paper, approximately 2.1 billion people – almost a quarter of the world’s population – still lack access to clean cooking, contributing to 3.2 million premature deaths annually and more than 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions – on par with the aviation sector.

Clean cooking carbon projects offer an effective response

The paper states that clean cooking carbon projects offer an effective response.

“By replacing or improving the combustion efficiency of polluting fuels like charcoal, wood, and kerosene, they reduce emissions, improve indoor air quality, and ease the physical burden of cooking – particularly for women and children – while helping to prevent forest degradation. T

“The use of standardised methodologies and digital monitoring strengthens their credibility for investment and policy engagement.

“They help governments raise domestic revenue, attract local currency investment, and lessen aid dependency – contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and climate-aligned economies,” the report said.

These programmes, they said, improve macroeconomic stability by lowering public health expenses, minimising environmental damage and boosting household productivity.

The report notes that carbon credits benefit the African cooking sector by providing a revenue stream for companies and initiatives deploying cleaner, more efficient cookstoves and fuels.

“Clean cooking solutions reduce household air pollution, deforestation, and reliance on biomass while improving health outcomes, particularly for women and children, and climate-positive outcomes.”

The report states that carbon finance is accelerating access to scalable solutions – such as improved biomass, ethanol, biogas, LPG, and electric stoves – many of which cost just $25–$100 per household.

“Carbon revenues are helping enterprises overcome affordability barriers, strengthen business models, and deliver measurable health, gender, and climate benefits.

“When deployed at scale, clean cooking carbon projects represent one of the most cost-effective investments in development.”

Read the full Financial regulatory pathways for scaling carbon markets report here

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