ABSTRACT
Climate change has become a matter of global environmental justice. In Ethiopia, those consequences involve persistent droughts, shorter growing seasons, shifting rainfall patterns, reduced agricultural production, and greater food insecurity. In a country like Ethiopia where rapid economic growth has become a coveted prize, this chapter suggests that leadership – across the institutional landscape – should be reoriented toward concern for ecological responsibility and social justice. The economic and social conditions in Ethiopia vary greatly from the conditions for leadership found in the West. Climate change has the potential to impede economic progress and reverse the gains made in Ethiopia's development unless measures are taken to alleviate the situation. While pursuing accelerated growth, the Government of Ethiopia is well aware of the environmental challenges the country faces and appears to be taking active measures to move the country toward a more sustainable economy. The chapter describes multiple obstacles to environmental leadership.
