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Rwanda calls for more investment to tackle climate change

Xinhua, December 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Rwanda has called for increased investment in technology and scientific knowledge in the face of climate change.

In a statement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, known as COP21 on Wednesday, Rwanda's Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Vincent Biruta noted that the world has overcome other serious challenges by applying technology and scientific knowledge.

"Slowing climate change and adapting to it should be no different," Minister Biruta said while delivering the Rwanda Government statement.

Minister Biruta also highlighted the need for countries to shift to renewable energy in order to achieve prosperity and ensure environmental sustainability.

"Climate action is not about sacrificing growth, but rather making sure that development gains can be sustained for generations to come," Biruta said, adding, "Climate action will succeed when countries no longer face trade-offs between attaining prosperity and going green."

As negotiations continue in Paris to reach an international agreement on climate change, Rwanda joins other vulnerable nations in calling for a binding agreement that includes the goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

With a variable climate and mountainous terrain, Rwanda is at risk of increased weather extremes such as floods and droughts, according to officials.

The minister affirmed Rwanda's commitment to continue placing the environment at the heart of its development as it addresses the impacts of climate change and builds a green economy.

At least 98.5 percent of Rwandan households use fuel wood and charcoal which is a threat to forest cover, according to the country's latest Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey.

The government targets to reduce it to 50 percent through mass tree planting and management, officials say.

The east African country also targets 30 percent forest coverage by 2020 from current about 29.3 percent.

At least 30 million seedlings are expected to be planted this fiscal year. Endit