Rwanda is preparing to make a significant impact at the upcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan this November. This follows the recent introduction of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. The fund is designed to support countries that are most affected by climate change but have contributed minimally to the crisis.
Herman Hakuzimana, the Deputy Lead Negotiator from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), has outlined Rwanda’s key objectives for COP29. These include obtaining additional financial support and establishing transparent and inclusive mechanisms for direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund is crucial for nations like Rwanda, which are experiencing severe climate impacts despite their small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
On September 11, 2024, Rwanda’s Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), comprising 73 organizations focused on environmental and climate issues, discussed the country’s expectations for COP29. Currently, Rwanda is in urgent need of over Rwf518 billion to recover from recent natural disasters. The pledges made to the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28, totaling $772 million, are considered insufficient in light of the estimated $580 billion needed annually by 2030 and $1.7 trillion by 2050 to address global climate-related damage.
At COP29, Rwanda will be represented by Faustin Munyazikwiye, its lead negotiator in UN climate talks. Rwanda’s delegation will advocate for the new Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), which will replace the previous commitment of $100 billion annually from developed nations. Some proposals suggest this new goal could reach up to $3 trillion. Rwanda is pushing for this new target to reflect the actual needs of developing countries and to ensure that developed nations meet their financial pledges transparently and accountably.
Focus on Adaptation Finance at COP29: Africa’s Priorities
Experts are emphasizing the need for a shift in climate finance focus, advocating for a more balanced approach between mitigation and adaptation. Currently, Africa’s priority is securing adaptation finance, with experts suggesting a 50/50 split in funding. This comes in the wake of COP28’s establishment of a new framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation aimed at boosting climate resilience.
At COP29, accelerating the implementation of this framework’s targets is crucial for effective climate planning and action. The conference will also serve as a critical opportunity for countries to propose new and enhanced climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ahead of their 2025 submission. Existing NDCs are deemed insufficient to address climate change, and developing countries will be pushing for increased ambition from developed nations.
The annual adaptation finance requirement stands at approximately $360 billion, significantly more than the $18 billion available in 2019. Rwanda, facing a $7.1 billion funding gap to meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement by 2030, plans to invest $11.04 billion in cutting carbon emissions and adapting to climate effects. Specifically, $5.4 billion is needed for adaptation projects by 2030, with 40% expected from domestic sources and 60% from international funding. The agriculture sector alone accounts for $3 billion, or 55% of the total adaptation costs.
Voices from the Climate Community
Faustin Vuningoma, Coordinator of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), criticized the $772 million raised for the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ at COP28 as inadequate, stating, “This amount is insufficient even for Rwanda alone.” Vuningoma stressed that adaptation finance should be a top priority for both Rwanda and other developing nations, given their minimal contribution to global warming but significant vulnerability to climate impacts.
COP29, termed the ‘Finance COP,’ will be pivotal in addressing these issues. The $100 billion annual climate finance pledge from developed nations remains unmet, prompting Africa to seek new, larger pledges from historical polluters. The recent African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, called for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) requiring wealthy nations to mobilize at least $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries. The ministers also emphasized that climate finance should be provided as grants, not loans, to avoid worsening debt among developing nations.
Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, underscored the need for a unified African stance to achieve climate justice and address the continent’s needs effectively.
