Ethiopia calls for urgent action on climate change, investment in nature-friendly solutions

On Dec 8, 2023 113

Addis Ababa, December 8, 2023 (FBC) – Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development and the current president of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), called for urgent action on climate change and investment in nature-friendly solutions.

Addressing the ministerial discussion at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavillion on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, the Minister emphasized the urgency of climate action and the need for investment in nature-based solutions.

She underlined the devastating impacts of climate change on Africa, which is experiencing prolonged droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. These impacts, according to Fitsum, threaten not only the environment but also the livelihoods, economies, and very existence of African people.

Drawing on the 19th Ordinary session of AMCEN, Fitsum called for Operationalization of the Global Goal on Adaptation, Establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, Increased Resilience, Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Mobilization of Financial Resources, Capacity Enhancement, Collaboration, and Investment in Nature-Based Solutions

Fitsum highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 32.5 billion trees and aims to reach 50 billion by 2027. She commended Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire for their similar initiatives and urged other African countries to follow suit.

The AMCEN President also announced the endorsement of the 19th Ordinary session outcomes by the African Union Commission, including declarations and decisions on critical minerals, biodiversity, plastic pollution, and chemicals management.

She concluded by emphasizing the need for a strengthened AMCEN to provide strategic guidance and leadership in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and to advance Africa’s interests in the global and regional multilateral agenda.

Her speech, according to the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD), resonated with delegates and underscored the critical role Africa plays in the fight against climate change.