According to Juliet Kabera, the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the carbon market framework designed by Rwanda will “unlock financial incentives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cooking methods”.
The country’s carbon emission trading structure, which complies with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, was explained to the cabinet on September 11th.
Through the carbon market, countries that contribute to global warming can fund initiatives to cut their emissions. They can continue to emit greenhouse emissions while incorporating these reductions into their own climate goals.
“Bioethanol cooking fuel” is one of the clean cooking technologies that Rwandan carbon market participants expect to replace traditional cooking techniques. This fuel is made from agricultural waste, like the leftovers from the manufacturing of sugar.
Given that charcoal and wood are the most common cooking fuels in Rwanda and are directly to blame for the indoor air pollution that claims thousands of lives every year, according to Kabera, the development of clean cooking technology is opportune.
According to statistics, household air pollution from unclean cooking fuel causes over 7,000 fatalities annually. Children under the age of five account for more than half of all fatalities. The primary cause of deforestation in Rwanda is the charcoal industry. In addition, every week, mothers and kids spend seven hours collecting wood.
Studies revealed that we must make greater investments to cut down on air pollution from cooking and transportation. The air is contaminated by firewood and charcoal, according to Kabera. By 2030, Rwanda wants all people to have access to clean cooking.
During an exhibition last week on Clean Air Day, the Ministry of Environment showcased KOKO Company’s plan to launch a nationwide “clean fuel utility” as part of Rwanda’s efforts to achieve its target of universal access to clean cooking.
Rwanda signed an agreement with the firm to establish a $25 million (Rwf30 billion) bioethanol cooking fuel utility.