BY ZEKARIAS WOLDEMARIAM
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 Parties at the COP 21 held in Paris on 12 December 2015.
The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degree Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century.
Countries that are signatory to the agreement have shown various levels of progress in the implementation of their commitment to the agreement. Ethiopia as a signatory to the agreement has also been executing various environmental protection projects since the coming in to effect of the agreement five years ago.
The UK is hosting COP 26 in November 2021 in Glasgow. “It will be another turning point boosting existing climate change ambitions across the globe” says Alex Cameron, Deputy Head of Mission of British Embassy to Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Herald met with Alex recently and discussed the close Ethiopian and UK partnership in environmental matters and climate change. Alex told us that he felt Ethiopia’s contribution was significant:
Can you tell me the progress made so far by countries since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015?
Good progress has been made in in relation to the Paris agreement, but that was some time ago now. I think it is quite clear there is a long way to go. We have seen that many countries are continuing to increase that climate ambition. And I think we can use COP 26 to secure and increase our ambition.
I think Ethiopia’s legacy when it comes to climate is really impressive. Ethiopia is a champion of sustainable green development. It has perhaps the cleanest, greenest energy makes in the world which is very impressive and it has ambitious emission reduction targets.
I’m aware that Ethiopia is currently reviewing its national target contribution which is a big part of the Glasgow summit. We are confident that Ethiopia will continue to demonstrate that leadership in the ambition target.
The green legacy initiative is very impressive – a homegrown Ethiopian initiative, that has been picked up around the world, and we are now seeing others take this seriously
Have you planted seedlings during the green legacy campaign? How many?
Yes, and I’m looking forward to planting more! We have tried to plant native species in the embassy but we are also planting fruit trees for variety.
The Uk and Ethiopia are collaborating on climate change. How is it progressing?
We are absolutely committed to support Ethiopia to realize its ambitions strategy and international commitments. We have a partnership with Ethiopia on climate. In our seven year program that started in 2015 we have committed 420 million pounds on climate change. It is a huge sum of money.
Mostly this is on adaptation and resilience, which is of course about adapting to the worst effects of climate change. However some of this also includes other areas of CRGE pillars. Our partnership is definitely deeper than money.
We work together with Ethiopia to elevate Ethiopia’s profile. The African group in the UNFCCC is very important. We see Ethiopia as one of the leading voices in that group. We work together to support in that political front.
There were 3 pillars under the Paris agreement. Can you tell me in terms of the achievement in each pillar?
The focus of Ethiopia’s nationally determined contribution to the Paris agreement is mitigation of carbon emission. But while mitigation is of course important, it’s also worth noting that Ethiopia is one of the first countries to launch a national adaptation plan.
This offers an example of what countries can do adapt the national development strategies to abate warming as well as manage changes posed by climate change.
So I think Ethiopia’s specific intention on this is very impressive. COP 26 will be a major turning point in boosting existing climate change ambitions across the globe. Both the UK and Ethiopia will contribute as leaders on the climate agenda.
How do you see the role of Ethiopia’s energy and industrial parks development in fighting climate change?
We see it as very ambitions, and shows great leadership by example. Clean energy and industrial parks are good to Ethiopia’s future growth prospects. The UK has supported the industrial parks projects for many years.
In connection with the involvement of businesses and civil society organization, how do you see their involvement?
Businesses are fundamental in this. You are a growing country, your energy needs are increasing and businesses are at the fore front of that. But UK businesses would love to work ever-close together with businesses in Ethiopia.
One of the most exciting ventures is in geothermal energy, where British companies such as Tulu Moye and Corbetti are leading the way in ensuring Ethiopia has access to clean, green, and affordable energy. We’ve greatly appreciate the support of the Government of Ethiopia on these projects.
We want to work with a range of civil society organisations and other people who are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Here in Ethiopia what we’d be doing is to look for as many organizations as possible in a number of these sectors as we take the fight against climate change.
We’re well aware that countries such as Ethiopia are the least responsible for the causes of climate change but will be the most impacted. Civil society organisations have an important role to play in leading the way on climate advocacy. We’re happy to support those organisations in their task.
How is UK preparing to host COP 26?
The summit has shown that climate change is at the top of the global agenda. The UK government has taken forward this preparation towards COP 26, huge energy and someone who is reflecting on the UK climate agenda even at the same time as COVID 19 has such a big issue this year, climate has also become a bigger and bigger issue. So, I think this show that climate change is really at the global agenda.
I know there are changes in many big countries which means they are taking this agenda more seriously. By early next year countries representing around 65 percent of global CRT emission and 72 percent of the world economy will have outlined plans to reduce their carbon emissions to net zero.
That shows how far the agenda has grown since Paris . The UK has now left the EU and has deposited a new climate change plan with the UN. It is incredibly ambitious. We have started to see that more countries putting ambitious plan more countries join then in putting more and the ambition level continues to rise.
So countries like Ethiopia who are least responsible to climate change but bring more voices heard, i.e. why their role in the climate ambition summit is so important. That is also looking ahead in the COP 26.
Finally is there any message you would like to convey to those interested to know about COP 26 and UK commitment to work in collaboration?
Firstly, it’s important to note that when it is: It will be held in Glasgow from 1 to 12 of November 2021. This was delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our role is very important because we are committed to work with civil societies, companies and people inspired to fight against climate change.
The ambition level is high and continue to build on our commitments, for example just announcing our plan to end international financial support to fossil fuels from aid budget.
This should inspire change in other partners as well. Fighting climate change is something the UK really cares about. And it is something that we are so proud to lead on The Prime Minister is very passionate about the issue, as is the Royal Family.
Thank you very much
Thank you
The Ethiopian herald January 1/2021
