ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK ON CLIMATE CHANGE (ECSNCC)

Abstract

Climate change is recognized as a serious challenge of the 21st century. The problem has received more global attention than any other environmental issue. In its fourth assessment report, the Inter- Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that human activities are the main cause of global climate change. It is widely believed that the change will have considerable adverse effects on economic, social, and environmental systems. Although all regions of the world will eventually experience the impact of climate change, the impact will disproportionately affect developing countries. Poor communities that largely depend on climate sensitive livelihoods and live in marginal areas will be the most vulnerable. However, most developing countries are least capable and least prepared to adapt to the potential effects of climate change, although they have contributed the least to the problem. They have limited adaptive capacity compared to developed countries because of financial, skill, and technology constraints, and high levels of poverty. In particular, climate change poses a serious threat to development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As a result, some of the worst effects on food and water security and health will be in poor developing countries. Africa is particularly vulnerable to such effects. Ethiopia is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The country’s geographic location, poverty, and greater reliance on climate - sensitive economic sectors, such as agriculture and pastoralism, make the country vulnerable to climate variability and change. A recent mapping of vulnerability and poverty in Africa identified Ethiopia as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change given its low adaptive capacity. A large part of the country is arid or semi-arid and is highly prone to desertification and drought. The country’s highland ecosystem is also becoming highly fragile and vulnerable, which is already under stress due to population pressures and land degradation. Historically, there is a strong observable link between climate variations and the overall performance of the country’s economy and the livelihood of the people. Available evidences, indicates that the key drivers of rural development and economic and social transformation in the country are hampered by climate variability and change. Poverty reduction and agricultural development activities are particularly affected by the prevailing changes. The limited economic, institutional, and logistical capacity to mitigate and to adapt to climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of millions of people. The impact ranges from recurrent drought and loss of biodiversity of rangeland, and of soil nutrients to catastrophic floods and declining livestock and food production. Hence, the effects of climate change must be understood and factored into development and future adaptation investments by state and non-state actors.