African Leaders Unite at Climate Summit in Ethiopia for Global Action

Africa, home to 1.5 billion people and projected to account for one-fifth of the global population by 2030, contributes only 3.7% of global emissions yet faces disproportionate climate impacts such as extreme weather, hunger, and displacement. The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, and investors to advance climate-resilient economies and just energy transitions ahead of COP30 in Brazil. African leaders emphasize the continent's potential for green growth through renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable food systems, but stress that Africa receives less than 1% of global climate finance, hindering its ability to address worsening climate impacts. Despite opposition from President Trump’s administration in the U.S., African nations remain united in pushing for climate justice, fair financing, and technology transfer, calling for stronger international cooperation and a justice-centered approach. Key figures including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and African Union Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf underscore the need for predictable, equitable climate finance and warn against broken commitments from wealthy nations. The summit highlights Africa's ambition to lead global climate action while demanding global solidarity to support its development and resilience efforts.