Ethiopia, a nation with over 3,000 years of civilisation and home to more than 80 ethnic groups, is set to host the second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8 to 10,2025, in its capital, Addis Ababa.
The country, often referred to as the Land of Origin owing to its status as the cradle of human ancestry, and as the second most populous and geostrategic nation in Africa, plays a significant role on the continent.
Addis Ababa is emerging as an important diplomatic hub, frequently hosting various international conferences and summits. This trend is enhancing the city’s reputation as a centre for global dialogue and collaboration.
In recent years, the growing concern over climate trends and their potential impacts on both the environment and the socio-economic fabric of societies has positioned climate change as a critical topic of global discourse. Before delving into the causes, evidence, potential impacts, and adaptations related to climate change, it is essential to first understand what climate change entails.
Climate change is a pervasive global threat that has been unfolding over an extended period, with its manifestations posing significant risks to the stability of societies, as well as to natural and managed ecosystems. The rise in ambient temperatures and the alteration of related environmental processes are directly linked to increasing concentrations of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
While climate change can result from natural internal processes or external forces, its persistent anthropogenic influences have become increasingly evident. In the 21st century, issues such as migration, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have emerged as critical challenges that transcend national borders. Among these, climate change stands out as one of the most formidable challenges humanity faces in its relationship with nature. The complexity of climate issues necessitates a collective global response, emphasizing the urgent need for international collaboration and action to address this pressing crisis.
As a nation committed to addressing the pressing of climate change, Ethiopia has aligned its efforts with the Paris Agreement’s goals of limiting the global average temperature increase to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, and striving to limit the increase to 1.5 °C. The Ethiopian government recognizes the devastating impacts of climate change on its people, environment, and economy, and is committed to taking immediate global action to enhance climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ethiopia’s long-term low emissions development strategy (LT-LEDS) aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, setting an ambitious example for others to follow. This strategy complements Ethiopia’s Climate Resilience and Green Economy strategy, which was outlined in the Ten-Year Development Plan: A Pathway to Prosperity (2021-2030). This plan aims for an annual economic growth rate of 10.2% while prioritizing the establishment of a climate-resilient green economy. It includes specific targets to enhance Ethiopia’s capacity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 92.7 MtCO2e to 162.3 MtCO2e by 2030.
Despite these ambitious goals, current projections indicate that emissions may rise to between 197-220 MtCO2e by 2030, representing a 62-81% increase compared to 2010 levels. In response to this challenge, Ethiopia has taken significant steps under leadership of PM Abiy Ahimed (PhD) such as green legacy initiatives planting billion of trees every year, a large-scale reforestation program targeting 700 million trees in 2025. banning the import of all internal combustion engine vehicles in 2024, becoming the first country to do so. Additionally, policies have been introduced to incentivize electric vehicle (EV) adoption, including tax exemptions and reduced import tariffs for locally assembled EVs.
The forthcoming ACS2 will be co-convened by the Ethiopian government and the African Union Commission under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The summit will showcase Africa-led climate solutions and focus on unlocking climate finance, positioning the continent as a key player in the global climate response.
The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated; 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, with 2025 likely to surpass it. African nations, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, are disproportionately affected by climate change, often spending over 5% of their GDP on climate-related responses. This diverts critical resources from essential development sectors such as health and education.
The ACS2 aims to bring together 45+ African heads of state, policy makers, scholars and different stake holders, to spotlight Africa’s leadership and innovation in combating the climate crisis. It seeks to establish a united African voice ahead of COP30, emphasizing principles of multilateralism, equity, and respect for international rights frameworks. The summit will champion partnerships that promote nature-centred investments, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices.
Ethiopia calls upon the international community to support Africa in creating green energy solutions and building climate-resilient economies. The ACS2 will serve as a platform for mobilizing political and financial action to address the climate crisis, advocating for reforms in the global financial system that reflect Africa’s realities and priorities, particularly in renewable energy access and climate adaptation.
In conclusion, the ACS2 represents a pivotal opportunity for African nations to assert their leadership in global climate governance, fostering a future that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and equitable development.
ACS2 will also deepen South–South cooperation and foster a new era of global partnerships rooted in equity, innovation, and African-led solutions. The long-term impact will be a strengthened continental position that not only influences COP30 but alsoinstitutionalizes Africa’s leadership in global climate governance, through collective efforts and international support, Africa can catalyse transformative change in the global response to climate change.
Climate change has no borders our solution should not either.
Atiklit Atnafu Naramo is the Second Secretary at the Ethiopia Embassy in New Delhi