Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) of Ethiopia has stated that his country is taking concrete steps to address future challenges, including climate change. According to Billene Sium, Press Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Abiy emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to playing its part in addressing climate change during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The conference, hosted by Turkey and chaired by Australia, began on October 30, 2019, in Antalya, Turkey.
Dr. Abiy arrived in Turkey a day before the conference to participate in the Leaders' Summit, which commenced on November 2, 2019. During his stay, he held productive discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, Ethiopia's preparations to host COP32, and potential areas of cooperation on regional issues. The two leaders explored ways to enhance cooperation between their countries.
On the sidelines of the Leaders' Summit, Dr. Abiy engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from Barbados, Finland, Norway, Iraq, Somalia, and Botswana, as well as Qatar's Amir. These talks centered on deepening bilateral cooperation, addressing common climate change challenges, and exploring investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance their countries' climate resilience and promote regional peace and prosperity.
In his address to the Leaders' Summit, Dr. Abiy highlighted the impact of climate change on Ethiopia, particularly in terms of temperature increases and changing rainfall patterns. He noted that despite these challenges, Ethiopia has made significant progress in reforestation efforts, with millions of citizens planting 56 billion trees annually. This initiative not only helps restore degraded lands and expand forest cover but also creates job opportunities for many Ethiopians.
Dr. Abiy also emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles, which has led to a ban on the importation of fossil fuel-powered cars. He stressed that Ethiopia is taking proactive measures to address climate change, including leveraging its hydroelectric power potential. By doing so, the country aims to play its part in mitigating the effects of climate change.
As the host of COP32, Ethiopia is determined to take a proactive approach to addressing climate change. Dr. Abiy emphasized the need for immediate financial support to be released when warning signs of climate-related disasters appear. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing support for communities most vulnerable to climate change. Ethiopia is committed to working closely with international partners to ensure the success of COP31 and future climate conferences.
In conclusion, Dr. Abiy invited world leaders and the international community to attend COP32 in Ethiopia, highlighting the country's commitment to climate action and its potential to foster global cooperation on this critical issue. The conference is expected to provide a platform for countries to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate leadership on climate change.
Key points
- Ethiopia is taking proactive measures to address climate change, including reforestation efforts and transitioning to electric vehicles.
