Rwanda has announced an ambitious climate action agenda with a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as usual by 2030, which is equivalent to an estimated mitigation of up to 4.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
The climate action plan, known officially as the Nationally Determined Contributions ( NDCs), has been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and forms part of Rwanda ‘s obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Every country is required to present an updated plan every five years, each with a higher level of ambition. Rwanda is the first country to submit its updated NDC in Africa, and the ninth country worldwide.
The updated NDC climate action plan was informed by in-depth analysis, improved information and data, increased ambition and extensive consultation process with stakeholders.
It will see Rwanda investing billions of dollars in transitioning to an inclusive , sustainable economy driven by green growth and creating green jobs.
The total emissions from Rwanda are currently predicted to more than double over the period 2015-2030. Improvements in energy production and usage, industrial processes and product usage, waste management , transportation and agriculture, as well as new nature-based conservation measures will reduce these emissions by 38 per cent.
Adaptation initiatives will focus on water , agriculture, land and forestry, human settlement, health , transportation, and mining to help the country become more resilient to climate extremes.
Taken together, efforts by the nation to reduce its exposure to climate change and adapt to the effects over the next decade would require roughly US$ 11 billion, consisting of US$ 5.7 billion for mitigation and US$ 5.3 billion for adaptation. The funding is expected to come from both domestic and external sources.
“Rwanda is pleased to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. Our country is already counting the cost of climate change.
“We have tragically lost more than 150 citizens with more than 4,000 homes damaged due to floods and landslides this year alone. With this new, more ambitious climate action plan, we have a clear roadmap to limit our already low emissions and ensure our community and economy are resilient to the impacts of a warming world,” said Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment.
“Congratulations Rwanda for submitting an updated Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“I am glad to see your commitment in paving the way towards a sustainable future, strengthened through the adoption of a quantitative business as usual (BAU) target and increased sectoral coverage of the Nationally Determined Contribution,” said Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change.
World Bank and the NDC Partnership supported the development of Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution.
