Ethiopia Demands Equity, Historical Accountability to Addressing Climate Crisis

Addis Ababa November 13/2024 (ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that as COP29 unfolds, Ethiopia emphasizes that addressing the climate crisis requires more than financial targets.

Abiy wrote on his social media channels that:  “It (Ethiopia) calls for equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and historical accountability.”

Clear and precise definitions of climate finance are essential to track progress, with new goals focusing on vulnerable regions, particularly least developed countries in Africa, he noted.

 

Ethiopia is advancing its Paris Agreement and COP28 commitments from last year through three key initiatives, the premier said.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the first is the Green Legacy Initiative, which has expanded forest cover by 6 percent and led to the planting of 40 billion trees to date.

He also explained an irrigated wheat program as another important initiative that has transformed Ethiopia from a grain deficit to surplus by 2023.

 

A series of climate-smart urban projects aimed at creating sustainable, greener cities has also become instrumental in the country, Abiy stated, adding that these projects incorporate renewable energy, pedestrian pathways, and electric vehicles.

COP29 is being undertaken in Baku, Azerbaijan that seeks to increase funding to support lower-income countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ethiopia’s high-level delegation is actively participating in champion climate resilience and equitable access to funds for developing nations.