Kigali, Thursday 09 September 2021 – Rwanda launched the Air Quality Monitoring System on 7 September 2021 to mark the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.

The system provides access to real-time air quality information through a new website and mobile application for 23 sites across Rwanda with highlights indicating the dominant air pollutant responsible for air quality degradation for each station.

Meteorologists will be able to compare ground observations with satellite data through remote sensing technology to verify accuracy.

Rwanda has a wide range of interventions that contribute to global efforts to reduce emissions of air pollutants. 

• 30.4% of Rwanda is covered with forests, thanks to the annual tree planting initiative.
• Plastic bags banned in 2008 and single use plastics in 2019.
• Ambitious climate action agenda that features a 38% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
• Mobilisation of citizens to switch from cooking with wood and charcoal to cleaner alternatives such as electricity, gas (LPG) and efficient cookstoves.
• Electric vehicle scheme comprising 20 e-Golfs being piloted through Volkswagen Mobility Solutions.
• Electric motorbike start-up, Ampersand, secured a US $3.5 million investment from private capital to expand availability of electric motorbikes.