EU contributes €36 million to make Ethiopia's economy grow greener

This EU contribution will help Ethiopia “grow greener” by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said “Environmental sustainability and climate action are critical to achieving Ethiopia’s ambitious growth and development objectives. The EU’s €36 million contribution will help two key sectors – forestry and industry – to become more sustainable and mitigate the consequences of climate change”.

The bulk of the EU’s contribution, €33 million, will be channelled through the Ethiopian government. This budget support aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from forestry and industry. An additional €3 million will enhance the country’s measurement, reporting and verification systems, making them compliant with Paris Agreement standards.

Forestry and industry are the fastest-growing sources of GHG emissions. Yet they also have the highest potential for cutting emissions. Ethiopia’s deforestation is responsible for 37 % of the country’s total (GHG) emissions. EU intervention in this sector will support the country in improving forest management and reducing deforestation. For industry, the focus of EU support will be on boosting energy efficiency, improving energy management and curbing fossil fuel use in cement manufacturing, as this sector will account for 18% of the country’s GHG emissions by 2030, unless remedial measures are taken.

Original source: European Commission
Published on 23 July 2019