Rwanda has announced that it has achieved 81% of its climate action targets set under the Paris Agreement over the past decade—largely without relying on foreign aid. The update was presented during the COP30 Climate Conference held in Brazil, which brings together global representatives to discuss strategies for combating climate change and its effects.
In her address to the delegates, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, said the country has made significant progress in building climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted that Rwanda’s success demonstrates how local efforts and domestic resources can drive meaningful climate action.
“Over the past ten years, we have learned a lot while implementing our climate goals—mobilizing resources, taking action, and protecting our citizens from disasters caused by climate change,” Dr. Arakwiye said. “Our assessment from 2015 to 2024 shows encouraging results, but it also reminds us of the challenges ahead as we enter the next decade of the Paris Agreement.”
She noted that Rwanda achieved 81% of its unconditional mitigation targets, those that rely solely on domestic resources, while progress on conditional targets, which depend on international support, stands at only 38%. “This shows the urgent need for increased and predictable climate investment. Without adequate funding, it will be difficult to meet our Paris Agreement commitments,” she added.
While Rwanda has made strong gains in agriculture and water management, Dr. Arakwiye said the country has also suffered from extreme weather events that destroyed infrastructure, caused loss of life, and impacted economic growth.
According to the Rwanda Country Climate and Development Report, climate change could reduce the nation’s annual GDP by 5% to 7% if left unaddressed. As a result, she emphasized that adaptation efforts must be prioritized and climate-related investments doubled, echoing resolutions made at COP26 in Glasgow.
“We need words to turn into action,” Dr. Arakwiye said, calling for stronger international commitment. “Climate finance must transform lives, with funds reaching vulnerable nations quickly and directly.” She stressed that climate investment should be viewed as an opportunity, not a burden, and called for financing mechanisms that empower national institutions.
Rwanda also highlighted its Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) as a national mechanism for mobilizing climate finance. The fund has already raised and disbursed over $300 million to support projects that strengthen climate resilience across sectors.
Additionally, Rwanda recently adopted its Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, which outlines investment priorities for climate action and biodiversity conservation.
Rwanda remains committed to achieving the 1.5°C global temperature goal within the next decade. Under its new national targets, the country aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035—a strong demonstration of its continued leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development.
