The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking from edX

Stagnating progress on this development agenda costs the world an estimated 2.4 trillion USD per year. In this four-part learning series, you will familiarize yourself with core concepts in the clean cooking sector, uncover the nuanced and contextual nature of accessing modern cooking solutions, learn about innovative financing approaches, and discover recommendations for actors seeking to make clean cooking a reality for households across the world.

The course features four distinct learning modules. Module 1 will introduce the topic, define MECS, and describe the Multi-Tier Framework. Module 2 will describe current access rates around the world and uncover demand- and supply-side barriers to adoption. Module 3 will explain the evolution of the sector, define the ‘least-cost, best-fit’ approach, and explore examples of national clean cooking programs. Finally, Module 4 will conclude with a course recap and recommendations for a range of sectoral actors seeking to drive MECS access forward.

What you'll learn

At the end of the course, participants will be able:

Assess the negative impacts of traditional cooking practices.
Explain the concept of MECS.
Describe the Multi-Tier Framework.
Map the trends in fuel and stove use around the world.
Evaluate the demand and supply side factors that influence adoption.
Uncover financing as a key barrier to progress.
Explain the evolution of decision-making in the clean cooking sector.
Assess the ‘least-cost, best-fit’ approach, as well as results-based financing.
Describe examples of national programs and the role of the public sector.
Explain the key priority areas for actors working on the clean cooking agenda.
Describe recommendations for national governments, donors and development partners, and private investors.
Provide a recap of the entire course and overview of the state of access to MECS.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Assess the negative impacts of traditional cooking practices.
Explain the concept of mecs.
Describe the multi-tier framework.
Map the trends in fuel and stove use around the world.
Evaluate the demand and supply side factors that influence adoption.
Uncover financing as a key barrier to progress.

Explain the evolution of decision-making in the clean cooking sector.
Assess the ‘least-cost, best-fit’ approach, as well as results-based financing.
Describe examples of national programs and the role of the public sector.
Explain the key priority areas for actors working on the clean cooking agenda.
Describe recommendations for national governments, donors and development partners, and private investors.
Provide a recap of the entire course and overview of the state of access to mecs.

Assess the negative impacts of traditional cooking practices.
Explain the concept of mecs.
Describe the multi-tier framework.
Map the trends in fuel and stove use around the world.
Evaluate the demand and supply side factors that influence adoption.
Uncover financing as a key barrier to progress.
Explain the evolution of decision-making in the clean cooking sector.
Assess the ‘least-cost, best-fit’ approach, as well as results-based financing.
Describe examples of national programs and the role of the public sector.
Explain the key priority areas for actors working on the clean cooking agenda.
Describe recommendations for national governments, donors and development partners, and private investors.
Provide a recap of the entire course and overview of the state of access to mecs.

Syllabus

Week 1: Making the Case for Modern Energy Cooking Services

This week will begin with an introduction to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.1 – “ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services”. You will uncover the negative effects of the continued reliance on biomass fuels on basic stoves on health, gender, the environment, and our climate. You will also be introduced to the costs of inaction, estimated at 2.4 trillion USD per year. Furthermore, you will explore the Multi-Tier Framework (MTF), an innovative tool to assess household access rates and describe progress on the SDG7 agenda in a more contextual and nuanced way.

Week 2: Assessing the Supply and Demand for MECS __

This week will map the trends in fuel use around the world, while also learning about factors that influence household adoption of modern solutions. The supply side of MECS will be described, including a broad overview of the ecosystem of actors in the clean cooking sector and industry economics.

Week 3: Creating Enabling Environments for MECS __

This week will describe the evolution of the clean cooking sector, culminating in the current approach of assessing access to MECS in a more nuanced, contextualized way by applying the MTF. You will be introduced to national clean cooking programs and the ‘least-cost, best-fit’ approach, which seeks to tailor MECS solutions to user needs, local market conditions, and comparative advantages.

Week 4: Designing Recommendations for MECS __

This week will deep dive on various sector-wide recommendations to drive progress on the clean cooking agenda. More specific recommendations for national governments, donors and development partners, and private investors/entrepreneurs will also be described.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches MECS, which is essential for addressing major sustainability and development challenges

Develops a solid understanding of the clean cooking sector, including its challenges and opportunities

Explores innovative financing approaches, which can help drive progress on the clean cooking agenda

Provides recommendations for actors seeking to make clean cooking a reality for households across the world

Covers the negative impacts of traditional cooking practices, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue

Examines the Multi-Tier Framework, an innovative tool for assessing household access rates to modern energy cooking services

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking with these activities:

Review key concepts from chemistry and environmental science

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Ensure a foundational understanding of core science concepts before diving into the course materials

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Review general chemistry principles, including atomic structure, bonding, and stoichiometry
Refresh your knowledge of environmental science concepts, such as ecosystems, pollution, and climate change

Research and explore online tutorials on MECS

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Seeking out and following guided tutorials will enhance understanding of modern energy cooking services (MECS), their benefits, and the various clean cooking solutions available.

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Identify reputable websites and platforms offering tutorials on MECS.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and best practices for implementing MECS.
Practice the techniques and strategies introduced in the tutorials.

Explore online tutorials on clean cooking technologies

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Deepen your understanding of the different types of clean cooking technologies and their applications

Browse courses on Sustainable Energy

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Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on clean cooking technologies
Select tutorials that align with your interests and learning objectives
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and asking questions as needed

Four other activities

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Solve case studies or practice questions related to clean cooking interventions

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Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of clean cooking

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Identify online platforms or textbooks that offer case studies or practice questions on clean cooking interventions
Select case studies or questions that are relevant to your interests and learning objectives
Analyze the case studies or questions, considering the different factors and perspectives involved

Participate in an MECS awareness campaign

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Volunteering in an MECS awareness campaign will provide hands-on experience in promoting the adoption of clean cooking solutions and educating communities about their benefits.

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Identify and contact organizations involved in MECS awareness campaigns.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and express interest in participating.
Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills.
Participate in community outreach events, such as demonstrations, workshops, and educational sessions.

Develop a proposal for a national MECS program

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Developing a proposal for a national MECS program will provide an opportunity to apply knowledge, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for the adoption of clean cooking solutions at the national level.

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Research best practices and successful models of national MECS programs.
Identify stakeholders and key actors involved in MECS implementation.
Develop a comprehensive proposal outlining the program's objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes.
Seek feedback from experts and stakeholders to refine the proposal.
Present the proposal to relevant decision-makers and advocate for its adoption.

Identify and connect with experts in the clean cooking sector

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Connecting with experts in the clean cooking sector will provide access to valuable insights, guidance, and networking opportunities.

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Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences related to clean cooking.
Reach out to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field.
Request informational interviews to learn about their work and experiences.
Build relationships and seek mentorship to enhance knowledge and career development.

Career center

Learners who complete The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Energy Researcher

Energy Researchers conduct research on energy technologies, policies, and systems to inform decision-making and drive innovation in the energy sector. They use their expertise in science, engineering, and economics to analyze energy issues and develop solutions. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Energy Researchers with a specialized understanding of the clean cooking sector, enabling them to conduct research that addresses the challenges and opportunities in clean cooking access and innovation.

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International Development Professional

International Development Professionals work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They design and implement programs in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide International Development Professionals with a specialized understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting clean cooking solutions in developing countries, enabling them to design and implement more effective development programs.

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Energy Access Specialist

Energy Access Specialists work to ensure that people in underserved communities have access to reliable and affordable energy services. They design and implement programs to promote the adoption of clean cooking solutions, as well as other energy technologies. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Energy Access Specialists with the knowledge and skills to effectively address the challenges of clean cooking access and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7.

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Nonprofit Program Director

Nonprofit Program Directors oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nonprofit programs. They work to achieve the mission of the organization and make a positive impact on the community. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Nonprofit Program Directors with an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in clean cooking programs, enabling them to design and implement programs that are tailored to the needs of the community.

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Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers identify, develop, and implement renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. They work with landowners, investors, and government agencies to bring renewable energy projects to fruition. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Renewable Energy Project Developers with an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in developing clean cooking solutions, enabling them to design and implement projects that are tailored to the needs of local communities.

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Public Health Specialist

Public Health Specialists work to improve the health and well-being of populations. They develop and implement programs to address public health issues, such as air pollution, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Public Health Specialists with an understanding of the health impacts of traditional cooking practices and the benefits of clean cooking solutions, enabling them to develop more effective public health interventions.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee sustainability initiatives and programs within organizations. They develop and implement strategies to reduce environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and improve corporate governance. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Sustainability Managers with a specialized understanding of clean cooking and its role in achieving sustainability goals, enabling them to integrate clean cooking into their sustainability strategies and make more informed decisions.

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Climate Change Consultant

Climate Change Consultants help organizations and governments develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They provide expertise in climate science, policy, and economics to inform decision-making and drive climate action. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Climate Change Consultants with a deeper understanding of the role of clean cooking in climate change mitigation and adaptation, enabling them to develop more comprehensive and effective climate strategies.

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Development Economist

Development Economists analyze economic issues in developing countries and work to promote economic development. They use their expertise in economics and development to design and evaluate policies and programs aimed at improving economic conditions and reducing poverty. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Development Economists with an understanding of the role of clean cooking in economic development, enabling them to incorporate clean cooking into their economic models and policy recommendations.

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Social Impact Investor

Social Impact Investors invest in organizations and businesses that generate both financial returns and social or environmental benefits. They seek to use their investments to create positive change in the world. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Social Impact Investors with an understanding of the investment landscape in the clean cooking sector, enabling them to identify and invest in promising opportunities that drive both financial returns and social impact.

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Energy Economist

Energy Economists analyze energy markets, policies, and regulations to inform decision-making in the energy sector. They use their expertise in economics and energy to assess the costs and benefits of different energy sources and technologies. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Energy Economists with a specialized understanding of the clean cooking sector, enabling them to evaluate the economic implications of clean cooking interventions and contribute to the development of sustainable energy policies.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and programs within organizations. They work to align business operations with social and environmental values and promote sustainable practices. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Corporate Social Responsibility Managers with an understanding of the role of clean cooking in corporate sustainability, enabling them to integrate clean cooking into their CSR strategies and make more informed decisions about their organization's social impact.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste management, and water treatment. They use their expertise in engineering and environmental science to protect the environment and human health. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Environmental Engineers with a specialized understanding of the environmental impacts of traditional cooking practices and the benefits of clean cooking solutions, enabling them to design and implement cleaner and more sustainable cooking technologies.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts play a crucial role in shaping environmental policies and regulations. They analyze environmental issues, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for the implementation of sustainable practices. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can provide Environmental Policy Analysts with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting clean cooking solutions, enabling them to develop more effective policies and programs.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its complex systems to provide insights into environmental issues and solutions. They use their knowledge of environmental science to develop and implement policies and regulations to protect the environment. The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Clean Cooking course can help build a foundation for a career in Environmental Science by providing an understanding of the negative impacts of traditional cooking practices on the environment and the importance of clean cooking solutions.

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