As the world prepares to meet in Paris to define a new international agreement on climate change, Rwanda is calling for broader and more concrete action to address the issue. The country is calling on developed nations to do more to reduce emissions as well as ensure better financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing nations.
In Paris, Rwanda will join other climate vulnerable countries to advocate for increased mitigation ambitions to limit global average temperature increases to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. As a country with a variable climate and mountainous terrain, Rwanda is at risk of increased weather extremes such as floods and droughts.
Therefore, the country will also advocate for an agreement that includes provisions for financial and technological support to enable climate vulnerable countries to deal with the loss and damage associated with climate change.
Rwanda hopes that the new global agreement to be adopted at the Paris Climate Summit (known also as COP21) will be binding on all nations and reaffirm the obligations of developed countries to provide the climate finance and technological support needed for climate vulnerable countries to adapt.
“Rwanda will go to Paris calling for greater action on climate change and for more and better financing for vulnerable nations. We will also share our experience in implementing innovative environment conservation programmes and work with international partners to mobilise resources. Our ultimate objective is to reach an agreement that prevents the worst impacts of climate change and that supports countries like Rwanda to respond and adapt to a warming planet,” Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Vincent Biruta said.
“As a party to the UN convention on climate change, our expectation from Paris is to come up with a new agreement that enables all countries to combat climate change effectively and that accelerates the transition towards low-carbon societies and economies,” Minister Biruta added.
Over many years, Rwanda has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change and building an economy that is sustainable.
To facilitate this, the country is placing the environment at the heart of policy making through the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy as well as the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy.
Rwanda has also established a national fund for the environment and climate change that finances climate resilience projects and leverages private sector investments across the country.
The work of the fund, the largest of its kind in Africa, will be presented at climate forums in Paris to share experiences and attract additional financing needed for local action.
More information about the steps Rwanda will take by 2030 to respond to climate change can be found in the country’s Climate Action Plan, known as the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution.
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