ETHIOPIA
CLIMATE CHANGE FACT SHEET
Ethiopia is a classic example of how severely degraded ecosystems, agricultural and pasture lands, and poorly utilized water resources can exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, loss of biodiversity, and even aggravate conflict. By incorporating environmental issues into USAID’s work in Ethiopia, we strive to promote sustainable development, livelihoods, resilience, and disaster readiness.
GOVERNMENT OF ETHIOPIA CLIMATE PRIORITIES
In 2021, as part of Ethiopia's updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, the Government of Ethiopia announced ambitious emissions cuts and other commitments, including:
- Reduce emissions by 68 percent by 2030
- Reforest and restore up to 15 million hectares
USAID’S CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAM: OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
USAID supports Ethiopia’s development and climate priorities through a series of interlinked activities and partnerships. USAID is currently partnering with Ethiopian communities across the country to promote soil and water conservation. We are also protecting critical watersheds and promoting the sustainable use of water resources. By using innovative technologies USAID is also forecasting weather patterns to predict potential droughts or other climate shocks—and to strengthen disaster planning and improve food security.
USAID is also investing in sustaining Ethiopia’s pastoral and agricultural sectors. This includes partnering with local pastoral communities to improve land management. Supporting the disaster risk management of communities across the country is also key—which includes helping them to invest in climate resilient livelihoods, and to improve their adaptation to climate shocks. All told, these investments are improving food security for millions of the most vulnerable throughout the country.
ADAPTATION
USAID supports Ethiopian communities and households to adapt and respond to climate change impacts. As the cycle of droughts, floods, and other climate-related shocks has accelerated, USAID is investing in improving disaster risk management and response.
