Three billion people all over the world still use polluting, inefficient stoves to cook their food each day. The stoves emit toxic fumes which cause chronic illnesses such as pneumonia, lung cancer and bronchitis. Around 2 million people, mostly women and children, die every year as a result.

Since half of the world’s population still depends on wood and charcoal to cook, 80% of the earth’s natural forests have been destroyed. Not only does this affect climate change, but many women and children are forced to spend many hours every day, collecting fuel.

Cleaner stoves have now been developed that use less fuel and emit less smoke. By making these energy-saving stoves more widely available, the social and health benefits are huge, reducing deforestation, allowing more family time, developing local businesses and livelihoods while saving and improving lives.

• Renewable energy at SNV
• Renewable energy factsheet (PDF)
• SNV contact form