The Kigali Amendments to the Montreal Protocol came into force on January this year. It is three years since Rwanda hosted the 28th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol. At around that time, Morocco and Rwanda penned a joint statement to urgently amend the agreement that was first signed in 1987, with special emphasis on energy efficiency in home appliances. “Energy efficiency gains in the air conditioning sector alone could reduce global electricity demand by over 11 per cent by 2030 and improved efficiency of room air conditioners could prevent up to 100 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2050,” the statement read in part. The aim is to gradually phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), strong greenhouse gases used mainly in refrigeration, solvents, propellants and aerosols that contribute to global warming. When it comes to protecting the environment, Rwanda is very serious about it. It has now blazed the trail by launching the first Air Quality and Climate Laboratory on the continent. It will be able to test over 50 gases in the atmosphere that contribute most to global warming. This goes to show that environmental protection went beyond mere banning of plastic bags, stopping the encroachment of wetlands and contaminating water catchment areas. Rwanda walks the talk. While Rwanda’s actions to protect the environment are commendable, they will not amount to much if other countries don’t follow suit, beginning with its neighbours. Just as it led the charge in the Kigali Amendments, it should shift attention towards non-governmental environmental organisations to drum the message home; This is the only generation that can save the world. For those who will come after, it will be too late.
