Ethiopia, one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, has signed a number of environmental agreements to address climate change and promote sustainable development. These agreements have been signed with various international organizations, countries, and regional bodies. In this article, we will explore some of the notable environmental agreements signed by Ethiopia.
1. Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is a global climate agreement adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015. Ethiopia signed the agreement on 22 April 2016, committing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030. The government has also set a goal of becoming a climate-resilient economy by 2030.
2. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a global agreement aimed at reducing desertification and land degradation. Ethiopia signed the agreement in 1995 and has been actively implementing its provisions to combat land degradation. Ethiopia has set a goal of restoring 15 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
3. Africa Renewable Energy Initiative
The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) is an agreement aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in Africa`s energy mix. Ethiopia signed the agreement in 2016 and has set a target of generating 17,000 MW of renewable energy by 2020. The country is already a leader in the region in terms of renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity coming from hydropower.
4. Addis Ababa Action Agenda
The Addis Ababa Action Agenda was adopted in July 2015 at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. The agreement aims to mobilize resources for sustainable development and climate action. Ethiopia signed the agreement along with other African countries, committing to mobilize domestic resources, improve tax systems, and increase international cooperation.
5. Africa Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative
The Africa Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) is a pan-African initiative aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Ethiopia signed the agreement in 2015 and has already pledged to restore 15 million hectares of degraded land.
6. Ethiopian Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy
The Ethiopian Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy (CRGE) is a national plan aimed at promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ethiopia launched the plan in 2011 and has set a goal of becoming a middle-income, carbon-neutral economy by 2025.
Conclusion
Ethiopia has made significant strides in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development through its various environmental agreements. The country has set ambitious targets for both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring degraded land. With continued commitment and implementation of these agreements, Ethiopia can lead the way in Africa`s efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.