Cookstoves, Chef Jose Andres Take Center Stage at Milan Expo 2015
World’s Fairs are famous showcases for some of the greatest contemporary innovations, and the 2015 World’s Fair Expo in Milan is no different. This year’s Expo, themed “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” prominently features one of the most critical humanitarian initiatives of our time: clean cooking. In July, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves was fortunate to have two opportunities to educate a broad international audience at Expo Milano about clean cookstoves and fuels – including one that included Alliance Culinary Ambassador Chef José Andrés.
Chef Andrés headlined a discussion at the USA Pavilion on food and technology in the developing world. Before a packed audience, Andres discussed how for many people in developing countries, a simple cookstove can take a serious toll on their health, their climates and their livelihoods. The panel also addressed why using cleaner and more efficient technology as a solution can empower the world save lives, and protect the planet.
Earlier in the month, the Alliance joined a discussion on “Clean Cooking Solutions for Health and Sustainability,” which was co-hosted with World Access to Modern Energy (WAME) and Aspen Institute Italia. The workshop included 80 international registrants and was moderated by Corby Kummer, Senior Editor and food journalist for The Atlantic.
The panel, which included Alliance senior development associate Kavanaugh Livingston, provided a unique and global platform to raise public awareness on the issue of household air pollution, lack of energy access, and the successful impacts clean cookstoves and fuels have had on solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges (video). Livingston participated in an interview-style discussion with WAME’s Secretary General, Laura Susani, and provided a broad overview of the serious health, gender, environmental, and livelihoods impacts of household air pollution (HAP) from cooking over open fires or with rudimentary cookstoves. Several Alliance partners also participated in the workshop, including Dr. Joy Clancy of ENERGIA, Heather Adair-Rohani of the World Health Organization, and Nathaniel Mulcahy of World Stove.
July was an exciting month for clean cookstoves and fuels in Milan, and we look forward to building on that global platform to continue the discussion and raise awareness with potential partners and stakeholders around the world.