Rwanda: Govt Reduces 1.5 Million Tonnes of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have cut 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to 36 per cent of the 4.4 million-tonne reduction target set for 2030 under the national climate action plan, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

The achievement is highlighted in the country's First Biennial Transparency Report, a reporting requirement under the Paris Agreement that tracks progress in reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, and mobilising climate finance.

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Reducing one tonne of carbon emissions prevents about 1,000 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, helping slow global warming and reduce the risk of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and rising temperatures.

"Key mitigation measures in Rwanda included renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate-smart agriculture, and waste management," said Pearl Nkusi, Climate Actions Transparency Specialist at REMA.

Agriculture remains the largest source of emissions, accounting for 39 per cent of total emissions, followed by energy at 18 per cent, waste at 13 per cent, and industry at 2 per cent.

The report indicates that climate finance mobilisation has also progressed significantly, with 93.3 per cent of the 2020-2025 financing target achieved.

Renewable energy now accounts for 51 per cent of the national energy mix, while forest cover has reached 30.4 per cent.

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Despite the progress, the country remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts and landslides.

Between 2014 and 2023, disasters caused 1,595 deaths, injured 2,368 people, damaged more than 62,000 houses and destroyed 38,002 Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement," he said.

Athanase Mukuralinda, a senior scientist, called for stronger coordination among climate actors and development partners, noting that many communities remain vulnerable despite ongoing environmental initiatives.

"We should combine our efforts to increase resilience to climate change, improve livelihoods, and particularly provide more ecosystem services to communities," he said.

Nkusi said the climate action plan includes 24 adaptation interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability.

"From 2018 to 2023, major adaptation achievements in the agriculture sector include anti-erosion measures increasing from 68 per cent to 92 per cent, while irrigation coverage doubled from 5 per cent