Ethiopia Accelerates Climate Action: Ministry of Planning and Development Highlights Progress and Calls for Stronger Collaboration

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Ethiopia Accelerates Climate Action: Ministry of Planning and Development Highlights Progress and Calls for Stronger Collaboration

April 25, 2017 (P.L.M. – Adama)
The Ministry of Planning and Development of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has underscored that significant strides have been made in advancing environmental protection and building resilience against climate change. However, it emphasized that continued and strengthened stakeholder engagement is essential for long-term success.

This message was delivered during the 2017 Nine-Month Environmental Protection and Climate Change Response Implementation Plan Review Forum, held over two days in Adama. The forum brought together environmental protection officers from all regions and the two city administrations, alongside senior officials from the Ministry.

In his opening address, State Minister Seyoum Mekonnen praised the progress achieved to date—particularly in the implementation of the Green Footprint initiative, the National Climate Change Response Plan, and the Financial Fund Framework designed to compensate for climate-induced damage and losses.

He stressed the importance of the legal, procedural, and policy measures that have been effectively rolled out, calling them foundational pillars in Ethiopia’s climate response architecture.

However, the State Minister was candid about the mounting challenges. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality,” he stated, citing increasing instances of drought, flooding, desert locust invasions, landslides, and heatwaves. These climate-related disruptions, he warned, are significantly impacting agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, and energy supply across the nation.

To mitigate these impacts and transition toward a climate-resilient green economy, the State Minister reiterated the need for collective action and multisectoral collaboration. “Policies and strategies are only as effective as their implementation—and that requires united effort across all levels,” he said.

During the forum, regional and city administration representatives presented their nine-month performance reports, held in-depth discussions, and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and coordination in the climate sector.

The Ministry concluded the forum by calling for renewed momentum, innovative partnerships, and inclusive engagement to ensure Ethiopia remains on track to meet its environmental goals and climate commitments.