Rwanda greenhouse gas emissions rise from 2.3 million to 7.8 million tonnes over 16 years – REMA report

By The Inspirer.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Rwanda have increased significantly over a 16-year period, rising from 2.395 million tonnes in 2006 to 7.832 million tonnes in 2022, according to a new report by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

The findings are contained in the Rwanda First Biennial Report, which assesses national greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2022.

The report tracks four key greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—which contribute to global warming under international climate agreements.

Carbon dioxide emissions are largely driven by human activities such as biomass use for cooking, industrial processes, and fossil fuel consumption.

Methane emissions mainly originate from livestock farming, decomposing waste, and oil and gas-related activities, while nitrous oxide is linked to fertilizer use in agriculture. Hydrofluorocarbons are primarily emitted from cooling equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

The report shows emissions rose from 2.395 million tonnes in 2006 to 4.017 million tonnes in 2010, followed by fluctuations in the years that followed.

Between 2011 and 2014, emissions declined slightly to just above 3 million tonnes before increasing sharply in 2015 to 5.031 million tonnes.

They dropped slightly in 2016 and 2017, rose again to 5.314 million tonnes in 2018, and climbed further to 6.731 million tonnes in 2019 before easing to 6.434 million tonnes in 2020.

Emissions increased again in 2021 to 7.095 million tonnes and peaked at 7.832 million tonnes in 2022.

REMA attributes the upward trend partly to increased use of refrigerants and cooling chemicals that replace ozone-depleting substances but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, with usage reportedly growing by about 12% annually.

The report also highlights that 83% of household energy for cooking in Rwanda still comes from firewood and charcoal, a major source of emissions.

Fossil fuels account for 9.7%, mainly driven by transport, while electricity contributes about 1.3% of total emissions.

Despite the increase, the report notes ongoing mitigation efforts, including the promotion of electric mobility and policies aimed at reducing reliance on charcoal and firewood to 42% by 2030.

Rwanda also targets a 38% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, equivalent to about 4.6 million tonnes, under its national climate commitments.