BY WEGAYEHU MULUNEH
According to CNN’s news report, millions of people face Hunger in Southern Africa as Drought Devastates Crops.
It was revealed that the crisis is unfolding across Southern Africa, affecting countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
It was pointed out that over 24 million people are facing hunger, malnutrition, and water scarcity due to severe drought. Several countries have declared national disasters, including Zimbabwe which needs $2 billion in aid.
The drought is fueled by El Niño, a natural climate pattern that brings high temperatures and low rainfall. El Niño is exacerbated by climate change, making droughts more frequent and severe. The situation is expected to worsen as the dry season continues and potential floods loom.
Ethiopia is another East African nation actively working to combat climate change. Ethiopia recognizes its vulnerability to climate shifts and has implemented a Climate Resilience and Green Economy strategy. This strategy focuses on achieving economic growth while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
One key effort is Ethiopia's ambitious plan to restore millions of hectares of forested land. This not only helps absorb carbon dioxide but also improves soil health and water retention, making agriculture more resilient to droughts.
Ethiopia is also looking towards renewable energy sources like hydropower and geothermal to lessen its dependence on fossil fuels. These initiatives showcase Ethiopia's commitment to being a leader in climate change mitigation within Africa.