In a non-definitive form of its presentation for the 21st United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held between November 30 and 11 December 2015 in Paris, France, Cameroon decides to work towards “a 32% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions” by 2035, year where Cameroon is to become emergent.

“In the reference scenario, GHG emissions will reach 104 million tons of carbon dioxide or equivalent (MtCO2equ) by 2035, thus corresponding to 166% increase compared to 2010. In the scenario integrating the efforts set in the national plan (CPDN), GHG emission is limited to 71 mtCO2equ by 2035 which corresponds to an 82% decrease (only) compared to 2010. In other terms, the increase in emissions compared to the reference year is halved (32 against 65 MtCO2equ),” the document reveals.

To achieve this result which represents an amazing leap for a country whose “actual emissions are significant even at the international level and whose GDP per capita is ranked 148th on the globe”, Cameroon’s government intends to put in place numerous measures in sectors such as agriculture, forestry exploitation, waste management, power production, construction, transport and industrial development.

Renewable energies: when comes a breath of fresh air

For example, the agro-silvo-pastoral sector is to be developed whilst limiting its “carbon effect”. This method, according to Cameroonian experts, implies “the strengthening of sustainable management and the valorization of forests and biodiversity”. Also, it also involves “the reforestation of savannas and the rehabilitation of degraded lands”, as well as using highly efficient seeds and seedlings, so as to boost agricultural production without forcibly destroying forests to have more arable lands.

In terms of power production, the Cameroonian government intends to reduce its GHG emissions by 26% compared to 2010, the reference year, by investing in renewable energies. To this end, local experts highlight that shares in biomass (7%), micro-hydro (11%), solar (6%) and wind (1%) are to be increased in Cameroon’s energy-mix. These various components actually make 1% only (against 25% projected in 2035) of this energy mix, against 25% for thermal and 74% for hydro.

Public transportation to reduce GHG emissions

Still in the power sector, initiatives for a rationalized consumption are planned, so as to save about 450 MW of installed capacity by 2035. For now however, officially 6.5% of the power produced locally is lost during transportation whereas 29% vanish in the distribution processes, due to frauds and also to the poor quality of equipment.

In the transport sector, the development of low-carbon transport means is being planned. For example, local decentralized communities will be supported in the elaboration of development plans for public transportation means both on the intra and interurban levels (Tramway in Yaoundé and Douala).

The construction sector also comes into play. In facts, in order to improve energy performance by implementing thermal norms for construction and renovation, a revision of the construction is planned. To this same end, the entire value chain of the construction/renovation sector is to be reorganized so it can adopt low consumption.