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Why Carbon Trading and How? 

 

By Esubalew Dires

 

Climate Change is the most serious global problem we face in the 21st century. Africa is widely held to be highly vulnerable to climate change and Ethiopia is often cited as one of the most extreme examples. Researchers also assessed the effects of climate variability on agricultural production and national GDP. Entry points and knowledge gaps in relation to mainstreaming climate risks in Ethiopia are identified using the Government's plan for poverty reduction. More than 85% of the region’s population lives in the rural areas with its livelihood mainly depending on agriculture and related activities.

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Thus, in order to make officers aware of the current status on climate change, Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA’s) Biodiversity program made a two days’ training workshop on “Climate Change and Carbon Trading Potentials in Amhara, Interventions, Challenges and Opportunities” at Gondar from 31st April to 1 may 2014.  During the training, Dr. Zewdu Eshetu, an instructor and a researcher at Climate Center in Addis Ababa University presented on the impact of climate change and other related issues.

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Carbon trading, sometimes called emissions trading, is a market-based tool to limit greenhouse gases. Carbon trading is also a market mechanism in order to mitigate climate change. In carbon trading, one party pays for another party in return for greenhouse gas emission reduction or for the right to emit. The Kyoto mechanisms allow the countries with Kyoto commitments to meet their target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective way and motivate developing countries to join global emission reduction. Thus, carbon trading is essential in an opportunity to increase climate equity. Treaties include potential to finance mitigation and adaptation to climate change and enhance sustainable development. 

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Though Climate change is a global phenomenon, it affects developing countries mainly Africa.  The current climate change is so steady and causing immediate hazards. Climate and agriculture are closely related to each other. More than 80% of the population of Ethiopia is highly dependent on the sector of agriculture.

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Agriculture has been carried out in Ethiopia for over 3,000 years; however, it isn’t supported with technologies yet. Harvesting tools are made from wood and wood products which can be one of the possible causes for desertification. Thus, a change in climate  leads to a change in agricultural practices.

Generally speaking, global warming can be slowed, and stopped, with practical actions that yield a cleaner, healthier atmosphere. That’s why ORDA’s biodiversity program is implementing the first new initiative Participatory Forest Management activities in low and highland districts of North and South Gondar Zones for the last five year.