Rwanda aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 38% as part of its 2024-2029 Government Program (NST2) to protect the environment. This reduction target is planned to be achieved one year earlier than initially set. Initially, in May 2020, the Ministry of Environment announced that a 38% reduction, which equals 4.6 million tons of carbon dioxide, was targeted for the year 2030.
This commitment supports Rwanda’s national strategy under the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change effects and promote sustainable economic growth. The agreement was adopted in December 2015 and formally signed by Rwanda in September 2016, with the main aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Nevertheless, worries are increasing as many countries do not meet their emissions reduction goals, resulting in rising global temperatures. For instance, data from the last 174 years shows that 2023 recorded the highest global temperatures since 1850, with an average temperature of 1.45 degrees Celsius.
To achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 38% over the next five years, the government will implement several key measures. These include enhancing early warning systems, restoring damaged watersheds, improving wetland management, and adopting sustainable forest management through technological advancements. Besides, this effort will involve planting indigenous trees, climate-resilient trees, agroforestry trees, and fruit trees, along with providing tree seedlings to local communities.
What are the odds of success?
In May 2024, the Ministry of Environment disclosed a funding gap of $7.1 billion necessary to meet Rwanda’s target of a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Out of the total requirement of $11 billion, Rwanda is expected to finance 40% internally, while the remaining 60% is anticipated from external sources. This funding includes $5.3 billion aimed at addressing current climate impacts and $5.7 billion for preventive climate initiatives.
The absence of sufficient funds could challenge the timely achievement of this target. However, the government has stated that they plan to raise over $3 billion in the next five years to support projects and initiatives focused on mitigating climate change impacts across all sectors of the economy.
If these funds are obtained, and expected external support comes through, Rwanda is optimistic about reaching its 38% emissions reduction target by the end of 2029.
The Paris Agreement mandates that the United States will contribute $100 billion annually to assist developing nations in acquiring climate technology and executing activities aimed at mitigating climate impacts while promoting sustainable economic development.
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