Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said climate damage is reducing funds available for schools and health care, and urged faster global emissions cuts at COP31.
At the conference’s opening Wednesday in Antalya, Türkiye, Abiy said the cost of responding to climate impacts competes with spending on public needs. “The more we spend coping with climate damage, the less we have to invest in schools, health care and opportunity for our young people,” he said.
Anadolu Agency reported that recurring droughts and floods compound Ethiopia’s climate exposure, alongside high poverty, rapid population growth and dependence on rain-fed farming. The report said droughts have expanded in scale, frequency and impact since the 1970s. It also described risks to harvests, displaced families and communities most exposed to climate impacts.
Abiy pointed to how rainfall shapes production and energy. He said water generates more than 90% of Ethiopia’s electricity, including power sent to neighboring countries, and rainfall sustains Arabica coffee. He also cited Ethiopia’s ban on imports of petrol- and diesel-powered cars as part of a shift toward electric vehicles.
Abiy called for governments with greater responsibility and capacity to set a faster pace for emissions reductions through 2030.
Ethiopia is due to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027. Abiy said preparations would include earlier responses to climate warnings and directing climate funding toward communities at greatest risk.
