'Ethiopia is doing its part': Abiy presses major emitters to act on climate

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged major emitters to make deeper emissions cuts, while pledging to prioritise early intervention and faster climate funding when his country hosts next year's UN climate summit.

"The more we spend coping with climate damage, the less we have to invest in schools, health care and opportunity for our young people," Abiy told world leaders on Wednesday at the COP31 summit in Türkiye's southern resort city of Antalya.

Ethiopia has faced recurring droughts and floods, with droughts growing in size, frequency and impact since the 1970s. High poverty levels, rapid population growth and heavy dependence on rain-fed farming have increased the country's vulnerability to the climate crisis.

Abiy highlighted Ethiopia's efforts to reduce emissions, including its ban on imports of gasoline- and diesel-powered cars as part of a transition to electric vehicles.

"Ethiopia is doing its part. We have banned imports of petrol and diesel cars as we switch to EVs," he said.

Reducing fuel dependence

Ethiopia introduced the restrictions in 2024, becoming one of the first countries to take such a step as it sought to reduce dependence on imported fuel and promote electric transportation.

"Those with the greatest responsibility and the means to act must lead with deeper cuts this decade," Abiy said.

Looking ahead to COP32, which Ethiopia is set to host in 2027, Abiy said his government would prioritise early action to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.

Ethiopia secured the right to host COP32 over a rival bid from Nigeria following a decision announced at last year's COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital and home to the African Union's headquarters.

TRT World / Anadolu Agency — TRT World / Anadolu Agency

Photo: AFP (Wire)