Rwanda pledges to make Paris Agreement a reality

Rwanda has pledged to make Paris Agreement on climate change a reality, following the signing of the much anticipated Global Climate Change Agreement Friday in New York.

The agreement was concluded at the UN climate change conference in December 2015 in Paris. The document will be now open for signature for one year.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Vicent Biruta, Rwanda minister of Natural Resources said that the climate change pact seeks to keep the levels of global warming below two degrees Celsius and Rwanda is committed to make it a reality.

"The Paris agreement is likely the most important international agreement in history. Nations of the world have observed that climate change is a threat to the security and prosperity of all societies. As one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, it is a great opportunity for Rwanda," he said.

Biruta noted that Rwanda joins more than 150 nations at the UN in New York to sign the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

"We have seen the commitment of the international community to do what's needed to protect our planet. Rwanda is also ready to play our part. We have developed a national climate action plan, which details the steps we will take to meet our obligations under the Paris Agreement."

"This plan builds on the work already underway to develop a green economy and climate resilience."

Rwanda has embarked on nationwide landscape restoration campaign through forest planting, terracing, and soil restoration.

For the past few days, Rwanda has faced increased flooding, severe droughts and more powerful storms that cause damage to property and even take lives.

The country has also been accredited for direct access to funding from the international Green Climate Fund. Rwanda has announced plans to achieve sustainable green economy by 2018.

In 2008, the small central African nation passed a law that banned the importation and use of polythene bags, while possession or smuggling them into the country attracted heavy penalties.