Addis Ababa December 9/2023(ENA)The desert locust and other transboundary pests have remained a major threat to food security in the East African region, experts from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) told ENA. Over 850 million USD was spent to respond to desert locust crises between 2019 and 2021 alone, according to the evidence obtained from IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). ICPAC Sustainable Transboundary Pest Management Program Manager Kenneth Mwangi said that he is worried by the fresh invasion of desert locust in the wider East African region. “So far our worry is that the region is currently very green and this is one of the drivers of locust swarm. With a lot of vegetation due to high rainfall happening, there is a fertile ground for locust breeding and infestation,” he noted. In this respect, the IGAD region is passing through more and more extreme weather events that have created favorable conditions to desert locust and other transboundary pests, Mwangi elaborated. As desert locust is among the top 10 food security threats in the IGAD region, the program manager warned that the looming infestation will exacerbate the food crisis in the region. “We can see already condition for getting future pest invasion like locust and others,” he revealed. Subsequently, the program manager stressed the need for reinforcing a regional approach to curb locust invasion and other pests the IGAD region faces. According to Mwangi, IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre is working hard towards containing swarms of locust in their breeding areas. To this end, the centre is particularly supporting IGAD region countries through its transboundary projects so that the swarm will not be out of control in the wider region, he added.   IGAD Climate Prediction Centre Climate scientist, Herbert Omondi Misiani said climate change is creating favorable condition for locust to thrive. The IGAD region has been witnessing several manifestations of climate change such as increasing flooding following a heavy rainfall and drought induced events, he pointed out. Moreover, the changing condition for the sea surface temperature intensity is anticipated to negatively impact in terms of flooding and drought. “The projection of the future demonstrates that these drivers of drought will result in more infestation of pests and diseases.” The climate scientist urged IGAD and its member states to mobilize resources for adoption and resilient livelihood.   In connection with this, Misiani mentioned Ethiopia’s response for the worrying climate change through its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). The country has planted tens of millions of tree seedlings over the last four years. “We have seen that Ethiopia is trying to plant trees and Kenya is also doing the same. So having more trees in the region would reduce the green house efforts.” Due to the severity scenario and its difficulties the crisis of transboundary locust infestations, the media outlets in the IGAD region should give elaborate information to the vulnerable communities, governments, and other stakeholders, IGAD Communication trainer Isaac Sagala said.   Currently, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre is providing training for journalists from the region on crisis of transboundary locust and other pests invasion.        

Addis Ababa December 9/2023 (ENA)Ethiopia is taking the leading role in combating climate change with its presentable actions and measures, African Youth Assembly International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs Director Wechkuoth said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Andres G. Wechkuoth said the government's commitment to combating climate change with the Green Legacy Initative is so commendable. Planting more seedlings can have a significant and positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide and promoting bio-diversity. It also helps to combat deforestation and erosion and such efforts contribute a lot to ensure a green and more sustainable future for Ethiopia in particular, and the planet as whole, the director stated. Highlighting that the initiative has been receiving many recognitions and appreciations from different institutions, Wechkuoth added that it deserves more recognition, participation, innovation and collaboration. Some of the possible actions are encouraging citizens, especially women and youth, to join the tree planting campaigns and take care of the planted seedlings, introducing more varieties of eco-friendly and climate resilient seedlings that can provide multiple benefits such as food, income and bio-diversity protection. Regional organizations, international agencies and other countries have to exert maximum efforts to share Ethiopia’s best practices to promote the Green Legacy Initiative, the director underlined. Though Ethiopia’s Green Legacy has received a lot of recognition from the different international entities, what is the most important thing is recognizing the initiative as part of the environmental combating of climate change. “I do see Ethiopia as a country that is taking the lead, showing other countries as an example. It is so impressive, I think other nations should take Ethiopia as an example.” For the director and environmental and climate activist, the Green Legacy Initiative should be recognized as one of the African initiatives. According to him, unlike many other countries Ethiopia has something to present as green legacy and something presentable. “What is much important now is we should always take examples; and we can set the tone for the other generations. Ethiopia has already built a future for the generation that will never be forgettable.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the Green Legacy Initiative in June 2019 with a target of planting 20 billion seedlings within a period of four years. In this framework, the country has so far planted over 32.5 billion tree seedlings and broken its own record of planting seedlings. In December, 2022, PM Abiy was awarded the "Outstanding African Leadership Award" in recognition of the Green Legacy Initiative.          

Addis Ababa December 9/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia's re-greening and afforestation program is a model for global climate action, Ethiopia's special envoy to the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Umer Hussein said. At a sideline event hosted at the Green Legacy Pavilion in Dubai COP28, the ambassador said the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is the best way of tackling climate change in a nature-based approach. The side event was opened by Ambassador Umer who is Ethiopia's Special Envoy and Statutory to the United Arab Emirate (UAE) stated that the country's re-greening and afforestation program as a model case for climate action.   In her key note speech, Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) Deputy Director, Dyveke Rogan said "Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative serves as an extraordinary commitment that serves a wider range of ecological wellbeing.” Representatives from the World Bank Group, United Nations Environmental Program and the International Organization for Migration have also showed solidarity to support Ethiopia's nature based solutions to climate action in their speeches at the event. Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative represents a proactive response to pressing environmental and socio-economical challenges. The initiative has registered remarkable success by planting 32.5 billion seedlings over the past five years, and targets to plant 50 billion by 2026.            

Addis Ababa December 7/2023 (ENA) Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Asefa and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, discussed various environmental issues and areas of collaboration at the COP28 in Dubai. In a bilateral meeting they held today at the COP28 Climate Summit, the two sides emphasized the importance of focusing on environmental issues and agreed to move forward with implementing the decisions of the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), according to the Ministry of Planning and Development. This bilateral meeting highlights strong partnership between Ethiopia and UNEP and their shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges. The parties also expressed their optimism for continued collaboration in advancing environmental protection and sustainability in Africa.   Fitsum emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to ensuring a unified voice for Africa during its AMCEN presidency. She also confirmed that all efforts would be made to ensure fair representation of all sub-regions within the AMCEN bureau, respecting the decision of the 19th Ordinary Session. The minister also invited Andersen to visit the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at the COP28 venue, to which Andersen confirmed that she would visit Ethiopia's Pavilionin in the coming days. UNEP congratulated Ethiopia on its presidency of AMCEN and Fitsum's selection as President. The officials also expressed desire to avoid reopening of any outstanding issues that may have been suspended previously. The two parties also agreed to work together to mobilize resources for the enhanced implementation of the Green Legacy Initiative.  

Addis Ababa December 4/2023 (ENA)- Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to building a low-emission and climate-resilient economy was the focal point of a high-level panel discussion held at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai. The event, titled "From Durban to Dubai, Ethiopia's Journey in Building A Low Emission and Climate Resilient Economy," brought together esteemed panelists to share insights on Ethiopia's remarkable progress in addressing climate change. In her opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa highlighted Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to its Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, launched at COP17 in Durban in 2011. She emphasized the country's significant achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate change impacts. State Minister of Planning and Development Nemera Gebeyehu delved into Ethiopia's comprehensive assessment of its climate actions over the past decade. He underscored the country's dedication to mainstreaming climate change considerations into national development plans. International organization representatives and officials commended Ethiopia's leadership in climate action and expressed their continued support for the country's endeavors. They acknowledged the challenges faced by Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. The panel discussion concluded with a renewed call for collective action to address climate change. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia's efforts to build a low-emission and climate-resilient economy. Ethiopia's journey towards a low-emission and climate-resilient economy, serves as an inspiration for other developing countries facing the challenges of climate change. The country's unwavering commitment and remarkable achievements demonstrate that ambitious climate action is not only possible but essential for sustainable development, it was indicated.  

Addis Ababa ,December 4/2023(ENA)- Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility between major and minor emitters, Minister of Finance and the chairman of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Ahmed Shide said. The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) convened a high-level dialogue at COP28 in Dubai, UAE, bringing together finance ministers, international organizations, civil society, and academics to address the urgent need to enhance the region's resilience to climate variability and scale up coordination and financing efforts. The initiative is charting a path towards an integrated Horn of Africa, according to the ministry of Finance. Under the leadership of Ethiopia's Finance Minister and the chairman of the Horn of Africa Initiative Ahmed Shide, the panel included ministers from Djibouti, the Governor of Wajir Province in Kenya, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, the EU Special Envoy for the Horn, WB Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa and the AfDB Director for Climate Change and Green Growth. In his opening remarks, the Chair of HoAI highlighted Ethiopia as a pioneering example of investing in green initiatives despite various obstacles. With most funding coming from domestic sources, Ethiopia sets an inspiring precedent, it was indicated. However, he stressed that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility between major and minor emitters. He emphasized the critical role of the private sector in the climate finance architecture, inviting the Arab Development Coordination Group, including BADEA, to join the initiative as members. The HoAI anticipates accepting new members at its 19th Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on December 15, 2024. During the dialogue, the Executive Secretary of IGAD Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted its Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC) alarming findings, emphasizing that the Horn of Africa is experiencing increasing aridity and rising temperatures. The region's communities and infrastructure are highly vulnerable, particularly in the borderlands, where governance, fragility, and natural resource management challenges prevail. The Minister of Economy and Finance of Djibouti Illyas Dawaleh underscored the significant impact of floods and droughts in the region. Highlighting the urgent need, Dawaleh emphasized the importance of strengthening water and agriculture systems to bolster resilience. Annette Weber, representing the European Union, emphasized the critical role of policies and strategies in shaping the climate change and resilience agenda, urging concerted efforts to address the challenges faced by the region. Boutheina Guermazi, the Senior Director for Regional Integration, emphasized the HoAI's commitment to climate resilience through several programs funded by the World Bank. Victoria Kwakwa, Vice President of Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank echoed the need to scale up efforts to address the pressing climate challenges. The Horn of Africa Initiative is a country-led regional integration platform that brings together seven countries and development partners such as the African Development Bank, BMZ, European Union, and the World Bank. Accordingly, IGAD, a leading regional organization, also contributes to the collaborative efforts.

Addis Ababa, December 4/2023(ENA)- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete expressed commitment to supporting African member states to build capacity to fully benefit from the operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund. ECA Chief has commended COP27 for setting up the Loss and Damage Fund, a process started nearly three decades ago that concluded at the start of the ongoing COP 28. Gatete made the remark at a side event on assessing loss and damage: methodological challenges and prospects. He said COP28 has started positively, with the adoption of the recommendations of the Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage; The loss and damage fund, with funding pledges amounting to over 400 million USD so far, marks the beginning of a very important era in our efforts to address climate change and its impact. The side organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and African Union on the side lines of COP 28 in Dubai on 3 December 2023. “Loss and damage”, the harms inflicted by climate change that go beyond what people can adapt to, refers to a range of impacts including lost lives; monetary costs from the destruction of infrastructure, buildings, crops and other property; loss of ecosystems and cultures, and so on. After nearly three decades of negotiation, COP27 reached an historic agreement to create and operationalize a fund to help lower-income countries respond to and recover from climate change induced losses and damages. Delegates meeting in Dubai for COP28 on 30 November 2023, agreed on the operationalization of a fund that would help compensate vulnerable countries coping with loss and damage caused by climate change by ensuring that vital infrastructure can be rebuilt or replaced with more sustainable versions. “We are aware that there is much work to be done to make the fund operational. We are optimistic that before the end of this COP, we will have agreed upon the necessary arrangements to make the fund operational and receive more pledges to make it financially viable,” he said. According to Gatete, projections show that the economic costs of climate change in developing countries will reach between 290 billion USD and 580 billion USD annually by 2030. Thus, there is a need to rapidly scale up funding for Loss and Damage, including diversification of funding sources and domestic resource mobilization, he added. AUDA-NEPAD representative, Estherine Fotabongsaid issues of governance, capitalisation, and operationalisation need to be addressed as 200 billion USD is needed for the loss and damage fund to become operational. “Africa’s ability to access is limited. Our member states have ideas for programmes to package them with the right ingredients, but we want to move from past experiences that made access to financing difficult,” said Fotabong. She also stressed the need to build the capacity of member states to access the fund with strong collaboration with Afreximbank and other actors; and the importance centralizing science by defining the methodology for access to the funding. Gatete informed the meeting that ECA is working on updating the model-based methodology that was initially developed in 2013 “to help with accurate information in decision-making regarding fund allocation. Additionally, ECA is contributing to the advancements in attribution science to enhance the accuracy of loss and damage assessments.” ECA is also supporting member states to build their capacity and improve their access to the fund, including supporting initiatives for resilience building, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of infrastructure and ecosystems. “These efforts are crucial for the successful operationalization of the fund and ECA remains committed to supporting African member states to build capacity to fully benefit from the operationalization of the fund,” said Gatete, adding, “we stand committed to supporting the African Group of Negotiators in their work on Loss and damage.”  

Addis Ababa ,December 3/2023(ENA)-Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu commended Ethiopia's efforts in combating climate change, particularly through its Green Legacy Initiative. The executive secretary made his remarks during a recent visit of IGAD delegation to the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at COP 28 being held in Dubai. Ethiopia has so far planted 32.5 billion tree saplings nationwide as part of its Green Legacy Initiative. The Initiative is a massive undertaking that aims to plant 50 billion tree seedlings by 2026, it was indicated. The executive secretary on the occasion has hailed the country's efforts in combating climate change, mainly through its Green Legacy Initiative, saying that it serves as an exemplary model for the East Africa region and beyond. Workneh praised Ethiopia's leadership in mobilizing its resources and people to implement the initiative. “The main reason that Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a pioneered model to the region and others is that the country planted over 30 billion tree saplings by mobilizing its resources, with people’s effort and coordination of leadership, and without pleading for external financing.” He noted that the country has not relied on external financing, such as from the World Bank or other countries. Ethiopia has also been preparing billions of tree seedlings to share with neighboring countries in the East Africa region to help them combat climate change.Thus, it serves as an exemplary model for the East Africa region and beyond, he explained. “This is a big thing. It has also been sharing it to countries in the region. Its symbolic significance is big. So this is a big example showing that there is big change by own effort, without expecting support, by mobilizing own resources.” According to him, eight countries in the region are highly affected by climate change-induced consequences. The region is a practical showcase of climate change-induced consequences, including flood and drought, which have been seen over the past few years, he stressed. Noting that many countries take various measures to combat the effects of climate change, Ethiopia is one of these countries that is doing exemplary work, he pointed out. Ethiopia also participates in global events to mobilize support for IGAD countries and Africa seeks for climate change funds to compensate for the damage it encountered due to climate changes, he noted. In a visit to the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at COP28, Workneh was impressed by the exhibits that showcase the country's focus on renewable energy and the public mobilization it has created in the Green Legacy Initiative. IGAD staff has visited the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion, which is one of the biggest pavilions at COP28, he stated. In addition to planting trees, Ethiopia is also investing in renewable energy. The pavilion at COP28 showcased the country's focus on renewable energy, as well as the public mobilization it has created through the initiative. He was impressed by the exhibits at the pavilion and commended Ethiopia's dedication to addressing climate change. “The direct message within the pavilion conveys a very impressive message, showing the country’s focus on renewable energy, the public mobilization it created in the Green Legacy, to which extent the country is mainly working on climate change.” He commended Ethiopia's dedication to addressing climate change and expressed confidence that its efforts will inspire other nations to take action. Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a shining example of how countries can effectively combat climate change by mobilizing their resources and people, he underscored. As Ethiopia continues to lead the way in climate action, other countries in the IGAD region and beyond are taking note and following suit. Djibouti’s Environment and Sustainable development Minister, Mohamed A. Musa said the Green Legacy is a best example to Africa and Djibouti is benefiting from the initiative.   “It is a good example and Djibouti will take this example. We will work on it…Ethiopia gave us a lot of plant…So it is a good example for Africa.” He noted that Djibouti and Ethiopia not only enjoy the relations on the transport area and electric power connectivity but also have been working on protecting the environment together, he noted. Djibouti was also part of the Green Wall Initiative and it also welcomes Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, he added.                  

Addis Ababa ,December 2/2023(ENA) Executive Secretary of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workineh Gebeyehu visited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Pavilion at Dubai Expo City where COP28 summit is taking place. Ethiopia’s Green Legacy pavilion at the COP28 Green Zone in Dubai demonstrates the country’s efforts and commitments to tackling climate change and enabling food security. At COP28, Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia. Recall President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other leaders of the summit visited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Pavilion.  

Addis Ababa, December 1 /2023 (ENA) No country can effectively confront the climate challenge if debt is a burden, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted in his speech to the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (COP28) today. “No country can effectively confront the climate challenge if debt is a burden,” he said, adding that “this is why the G20 must work to implement bolder and timely debt relief plans to help the most affected countries overcome debt distress, address climate change, and pursue more equitable and sustainable economic growth objectives.” The premier further called upon a collective global action for the stepped up climate agenda as “the battle to protect and heal our planet is a battle for growth and prosperity.” Ethiopia, on its part, has been taking concrete measures to implement its commitment to the Paris Agreement, according to the prime minister. Elaborating on the achievements registered through the implementation of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, he stated that the initiative launched in 2019 to establish 130,000 nurseries across the country and annually mobilize millions of people in seedling planting and seedling management. “Our Green Legacy Initiative represents a proactive response to pressing environmental and socio-economical challenges. It reduced carbon emission preserves our bio-diversity, creates jobs and boosts sectors such as tourism.” The initiative has received remarkable success by planting 32.5 billion seedlings over the past five years, targeting to plant 50 billion by 2026. The premier pointed out that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative will become the largest afforestation project in the world when completed. “The impact of our initiative also extends beyond borders as we are sharing seedlings with our neighboring countries,” he added, Moreover, the PM mentioned the successful interventions, planting of various drought tolerant crops and using climate smart irrigation-based technology, including the country’s wheat development program. “Noteworthy is our national wheat production program whereby we produce 6 million hectares in one year, making Ethiopia the largest wheat producer in Africa.” This has relieved the country from decades of wheat import dependency and made it a wheat exporting country, the premier revealed. Abiy further stated that Ethiopia has been investing extensively in renewable and green energy resources. With the nation’s target to triple the current power generation capacity and double energy utilization efficiency by 2030, the country will achieve universal access to electricity, minimize dependency on biomass fuel and provide the opportunity for industries to reach net zero targets by 2050. Moreover, Ethiopia has adopted policies to encourage the use of electrical vehicles that resulted in a sharp increase of hybrid and electric cars on our roads while reducing the macro-economic burden of importing fuel. Similarly, Ethiopian Airlines is modernizing its fleet by acquiring new energy efficient aircrafts, he noted, adding that “we have electrified railways, a growing non-motorized transport infrastructure and we are expanding our mass transit system.” Prime Minister Abiy said these are concrete examples of action. “We are actually in our national determined contribution and our progress is a testament to our commitment to the Paris Agreement.”  

Addis Ababa, December 1 /2023 (ENA) On the sidelines of COP28, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received at the Ethiopian Green Legacy pavilion the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel. The United Nation’s annual climate summit (COP28) is under way in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the presence of more than 60,000 participants including leaders of countries in the world. At conference, Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, at the pavilion today. The two leaders discussed global climate change commitments, bilateral cooperation and national development endeavors. “I met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel earlier today at the Ethiopia COP28 Green Legacy pavilion where we discussed cooperation in the tourism and agriculture sectors,” Abiy said on Social Media. COP28 is believed to be a turning point, where countries not only agree ‘WHAT’ stronger climate actions will be taken, but show ‘HOW’ to deliver them, according to the UN. Ethiopia is expected to share its experience at this global conference regarding the efforts being underway to fight against the impacts of climate change through its green legacy initiative.          

Addis Ababa, December 1 /2023 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has met with Former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair, on the sidelines of COP28 being underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is underway in Dubai with the participation of more than 60,000 delegates including world leaders. On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Abiy has met with Former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair. PM Abiy has also earlier met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone at COP28.  

Addis Ababa, December 1/ 2023 (ENA):President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has welcomed world leaders to COP28 with a pledge to create a 30 billion USD fund for climate financing. "I am pleased to announce the establishment of a 30 billion USD fund for global climate solutions," Sheikh Mohamed told an audience of prime ministers, presidents and heads of state. "This fund is designed to bridge the climate finance gap," he added. Named Alterra, the fund is described as a catalytic climate vehicle that will be used to bolster climate financing. Sheikh Mohamed said access to affordable finance to invest in clean sources of energy had long been a barrier to the clean energy transition. The climate talks also "come at a time when the world faces many challenges". "When we committed to hosting Cop28, we pledged to bring the world together to unite, build and to deliver," the President said. The Emirates has a long history of climate work, he said, including a pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and invest billions in clean energy. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is underway in Dubai, with world leaders approving a climate disaster fund that will see rich nations financially support developing countries who are affected by climate change-linked disasters.

Addis Ababa, December 1/ 2023 (ENA): Ahead of COP28, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. The two leaders discussed current domestic issues and bilateral cooperation, according to Office of the Prime Minister. “Good meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in an exchange on bilateral cooperation,” Premier Abiy said on his Facebook page. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is under way in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy-related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone at the conference. The Pavilion shows Ethiopia’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security.   With more than 60,000 attendees, the two-week-long affair is billed as the largest-ever climate gathering. With so much at stake, the Dubai conference is a decisive moment to turn climate plans into ambitious action and turn the tide against the climate crisis. On the first day of the conference, World leaders approved a climate disaster fund that will help vulnerable nations cope with the impact of drought, floods and rising seawater. The agreement is a great opportunity, as it will see rich nations financially support developing countries that are affected by climate change-linked disasters.    

Addis Ababa, December 1/202 (ENA) World leaders approved a climate disaster fund that will help vulnerable nations cope with the impact of drought, floods, and rising seawater. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is under way in Dubai, with world leaders approving a climate disaster fund that will see rich nations financially support developing countries who are affected by climate change-linked disasters. The agreement marked a “positive signal of momentum” at the start of the 2023 conference – known as COP28 – its host UAE’s Sultan al-Jaber said in the opening ceremony on Thursday. In opening remarks, al-Jaber made the case that the world must “proactively engage” fossil fuel companies in phasing out emissions, pointing to progress by some national oil companies in adopting net-zero targets for 2050. “I am grateful that they have stepped up to join this game-changing journey,” al-Jaber said. “But, I must say, it is not enough, and I know that they can do much more.” The UN’s climate chief, Simon Stiell, gave a more stark assessment, saying there must be a “terminal decline” to the fossil fuel era if we want to stop “our own terminal decline”. With more than 60,000 attendees, the two-week-long affair is billed as the largest-ever climate gathering. International consensus on a crucial loss and damage fund, to compensate poorer nations bearing the brunt of climate change, has buoyed the spirits of thousands of delegates. The second day of the summit will be marked by a packed agenda of events aimed at paving the way for a more sustainable future. The World Leaders Summit is set to take centre stage on Friday and Saturday, while a number of other forums and panels will begin.  

Addis Ababa, December 1/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia’s Green Legacy pavilion at the COP28 Green Zone in Dubai demonstrates the country’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security, Office of the Prime Minister said. At COP28, Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the pavilion on Friday ahead of its official launch. The Pavilion shows Ethiopia’s strong commitment to address climate change through concrete solutions, Prime Minister Abiy said. Office of the Prime Minister invited participants to visit the Ethiopian Green Legacy pavilion at the COP28 Green Zone in Dubai and learn about Ethiopia’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security. World leaders are gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to chart an ambitious way forward in the global fight against climate at 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COPs 28) that is underway from 30 November to 12 December. Over 60,000 people are attending the conference, including delegates from member states of the UNFCCC, industry leaders, youth activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders. Ethiopia has been implementing a nationwide forestation campaign as part of its Green Legacy Initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019. The nation planned to plant more than 50 billion tree seedlings in two phases of the campaign. During the first phase of the initiative the country was able to plant 25 billion seedlings of agroforestry, forestry, ornamental varieties, surpassing the set ceiling by mobilizing more than 20 million people in four years. The country has also launched the second phase of the initiative last rainy season with the objective to plant another 25 billion tree seedlings in four years. A nationwide green culture has since 2019 taken root, evolved and grown over a span of five years, resulting in a significant decline in the rate of deforestation and the formation of new forests. These new forests will be essential in carbon sequestration as Ethiopia forges ahead in efforts to tackle climate change.

Addis Ababa ,November 29/2023(ENA)-World leaders will meet from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to chart an ambitious way forward in the global fight against climate. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are government-level large-scale annual gatherings focused on climate action. They are also referred to as COPs – Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COPs 28) will convene for the coming ten days in Dubai starting from tomorrow. According to the UN, COP28 is a critical moment for global climate action. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend the conference, including delegates from member states of the UNFCCC, industry leaders, youth activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders. Now, COP28 is expected to be a turning point, where countries not only agree ‘WHAT’ stronger climate actions will be taken, but show ‘HOW’ to deliver them. Measuring the progress towards achieving the Paris goals on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance and adapting existing plans is a key part of the puzzle, and this is why COP28 assumes more significance. Almost eight years after the Paris Agreement and half-way through the 2030 Agenda, COP28 is a timely opportunity to embark upon a new path towards effective climate action. As several UN reports show, the world is not on track to meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals, but the hope is that governments at COP28 will lay out a roadmap to accelerate climate action. In 2020, individual countries came up with national climate action plans aimed at reducing national emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. With the next round of these plans scheduled for 2025, the outcome of the global stocktake process could encourage countries to raise ambition and set new targets, exceeding existing policies and commitments. With so much at stake, the Dubai conference is a decisive moment to turn climate plans into ambitious action and turn the tide against the climate crisis.

Addis Ababa, November 28/2023 (ENA) Relative to the past few weeks, a reduction in rainfall is expected across the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) over the coming week, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center disclosed. Heavy rainfall is however expected over a few areas in northern Somalia, south-western Kenya into northern to central Tanzania, it added. The center said warmer than average temperature forecasted in most parts across the region. Heavy rainfall (greater than 200mm) is expected in isolated regions of Burundi and Tanzania. Moderate rainfall (50-200mm) expected over western and southern Uganda, isolated areas in southern South Sudan, parts of northern and southern Somalia, isolated areas in western and eastern Ethiopia, south-western Kenya and most parts of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. According to the center, light rainfall (less than 50 mm) expected in parts of central to southern South Sudan, southern Ethiopia and most parts of Kenya and Somalia. Dry conditions expected over Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and northern parts of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. Moderate to high temperatures (20-32℃) expected over most parts of southern to north-eastern Sudan, South Sudan, central to northern Uganda, northern and eastern Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti and most parts of Somalia. Mild temperature conditions (less than 20℃) expected over parts of north-western Sudan, northern to central Ethiopia, central to western Kenya, northern Somalia and western regions of Rwanda and Burundi, the center added.  

Addis Ababa, November 28/2023 (ENA)UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders at this week’s climate conference, COP28, to break the deadly cycle of global warming before a “deadly tipping point” is reached. UN chief was briefing reporters in New York after seeing for himself over the weekend the “profoundly shocking” speed at which ice is melting in Antarctica – three times faster than the rate in the early 1990s. New figures reveal that sea ice at the South Pole is now 1.5 million square kilometres below average for this time of year; that’s equal to the combined surface area of Portugal, Spain, France and Germany combined. “What happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica”, Guterres said. “We live in an interconnected world. Melting sea ice means rising seas. And that directly endangers lives and livelihoods in coastal communities across the globe. He noted that it’s not just the impact of floods and saltwater on food and water supplies at stake, but the viability of small islands and entire cities on coasts across the world. “The movement of waters around Antarctica distributes heat, nutrients and carbon around the world, helping to regulate our climate and regional weather patterns”, he told correspondents. At COP28 in Dubai, which starts later this week, “leaders must break this cycle”, the UN chief declared. “The solutions are well known. Leaders must act to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, protect people from climate chaos, and end the fossil fuel age.” Only a global pact to triple renewable energy use, a doubling in energy efficiency and access to clean power for all by 2030, will be sufficient, he argued.

Addis Ababa, November 26/2023(ENA)- There is an urgent need for a transformative shift towards more sustainable transport the UN chief said on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of cleaner energy to combat climate change. Recognizing the important role of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all in supporting sustainable economic growth, among other vital things, the General Assembly decided to declare 26 November as World Transport Day. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres underscored the important feature of transportation as essential facilitator of human development, in his message delivered in connection to the Day. "This first World Sustainable Transport Day reminds us that the road to a better future depends on cleaner and greener transportation systems," Antonio Guterres explained, spotlighting the relationship between transportation and global sustainability. Transportation represents the world’s circulatory system, delivering people and goods across countries and around the world, creating jobs, and supporting prosperity Guterres said. "But it is also fuelling climate chaos," added the Secretary-General, acknowledging the sector's role in exacerbating the global climate crisis. The statistics are alarming: the transport sector is responsible for approximately a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, while 91 percent of the energy used in motorized transport by land, sea, and air is still derived from fossil fuels. Although the sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the Secretary-General expressed optimism about humanity's ability to address the issue head-on. "I am convinced humanity is up to the challenge of breaking our addiction to climate-killing fossil fuels," he proclaimed, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to transition to sustainable alternatives. Guterres outlined a vision for a resilient, efficient, and low-carbon transportation future. "From electric and solar-powered vehicles to renewable aviation fuel sources, to massive investments in green public transportation systems, to measures like carbon pricing and subsidies for low-carbon fuels," he outlined a strategy towards greater sustainability. "There is no time to waste. Let’s get moving," urged the Secretary-General. Sustainable transportation, policies and innovative technologies will be front and centre at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, that begins in Dubai on November 30.