Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed spoke to delegates at the COP31 gathering in Antalya, Türkiye, as reported by AllAfrica. The Ethiopian leader positioned environmental management as a fundamental element of the country's financial strategy. He argued that shifting weather patterns directly influence agricultural output, energy generation, and long-term national development. By treating climate action as a core economic component, the government aims to mitigate the severe impacts of droughts and floods associated with El Niño, which currently displace families and delay economic recovery.
The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of water in Ethiopia's economy, noting that over 90 percent of domestic electricity is generated from hydropower. This same rainfall sustains the production of Arabica coffee, a major source of foreign exchange. AllAfrica noted that rising temperatures and irregular precipitation threaten the forests and farms where this crop grows, posing risks to smallholder farmers and national productivity. To address these vulnerabilities, Abiy described the Green Legacy Initiative, which has engaged millions of citizens in planting over 56 billion seedlings to restore degraded land and create jobs.
Beyond agriculture, the government is diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependence on water availability. According to AllAfrica, Ethiopia is expanding wind, solar, and geothermal capacity while planning for nuclear power. This long-term approach aims to cushion the economy against severe droughts and support industrial expansion. The nation is also transitioning its transportation sector by banning imports of petrol and diesel vehicles to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility. Urban environmental improvements include flood protection measures, river rehabilitation, and the creation of accessible green public spaces for residents.
Technology plays a central role in these resilience efforts. Abiy explained that the country uses satellite data to monitor land conditions and is enhancing forecasts with artificial intelligence to provide farmers with earlier warnings. He called for predictable climate financing to help vulnerable nations act before extreme weather causes widespread damage. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia will host COP32, focusing on early action and accessible funding. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the current COP31 leadership to achieve a successful outcome before welcoming international delegates to Addis Ababa.