This week, leaders from around the world are meeting in Glasgow for the world’s largest climate summit. The decision taken at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference will affect every citizen, in every country. The gathering comes at a critical moment as the world faces a worsening climate crisis. Time is running out to reverse the trends of rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and environmental damage. Rwanda, as a climate vulnerable country, is on the front line of the war against global warming. Despite barely contributing to the problem (Rwanda makes up less than 0.01% of global emissions), countries like ours have been in the firing line of the climate crisis and have already seen significant consequences. Dramatic increases in rainfall variability and intensity are affecting the lives and livelihoods of Rwandans. The impact is real: from degradation and droughts in the east and south-east, to flash flooding in the north and south, soil erosion, and landslides in the West, such as those which hit Nyamasheke earlier this year. If the world continues along its present path, the consequences will be even more severe. Fortunately, it is not too late for a global course correction that will save millions of lives and prevent the destruction of our planet as we know it. COP26 is short for the 26th ‘Conference of the Parties’: an annual gathering of countries that has met to discuss issues related to climate change since 1995. The summit represents an opportunity for the world to super-charge our collective efforts. This year, three key issues will be discussed: mitigation, adaptation, and finance. Though Rwanda’s emissions are low, we are as committed as any country to do our part, take immediate action and further integrate green growth and climate resilience into our national strategies. Last year, we set the goal to reduce our emissions by 38% over the next decade, and achieve ‘Net Zero’ by 2050. Going into the summit, we are hoping that major emitters make similar pledges - both in terms of ambition and scale. For Rwanda, adapting to a changing climate is particularly critical given the threats we face. That is why we have launched comprehensive policies that invest in people, nature and climate-resilient agriculture. The regeneration of natural habitats, like Gishwati-Mukura National Park, are protecting biodiversity and energising our tourism sector. The construction of all-weather roads will reduce the impact on people’s livelihoods and facilitate trade. Achieving our goals, and expanding existing initiatives requires significant financial resources. Countries in Africa and across the developing world are making ambitious commitments to invest in vital environmental policies. However, this financial burden cannot be shouldered alone. It is the responsibility of the world’s major polluters, the industrialised nations, which have caused the climate emergency we face, to commit greater resources to the planet’s future. At COP15, which took place in Copenhagen in 2009, the world pledged $100bn of annual investment in adaptation and mitigation to the developing world. That target has not been reached. To realise our ambitions by the end of this decade, Rwanda has pledged to mobilise $11 billion, of which $6.89 billion is external investment. It is vital that this target is met. At COP26 in Glasgow, Rwanda’s negotiating team will be calling for ambitious climate action and sharing our track record of addressing climate change as well as the many opportunities for green investment in the country. Rwanda looks forward to the finalisation of the Paris Agreement rulebook and moving to action on the ground that makes a real impact in the livelihoods of our communities and boosts their resilience. We will also be working with our partners to push for more and faster emissions reductions, increased green investment and a commitment to put nature at the heart of our response to climate change. After all, the future of our world depends on it and our planet has no room for negotiation. The writer is the Minister for Environment for the Republic of Rwanda
