Should Ethiopia and least developed countries exit from the Paris climate accord? – Geopolitical, development, and energy policy perspectives

Abstract

In this study, it is argued, Ethiopia should in principle agree with the World in international climate change agreements (such as the Paris climate accord), purely to avoid any political and economic sanctions from “Earth friendly” nations and institutions; however, she should avoid becoming carbon neutral at the expense of adding costs and slowing her industrial development prospects. In fact, since CO2 emission (energy consumption) is directly correlated to economic prosperity and industrialization (see Table 1 and Figure 1), Ethiopia should plan to increase her CO2 emission per capita as much as possible.Ethiopia should understand that climate agreements such as the Paris accord are designed and destined to fail. Hence, Ethiopia should avoid carbon-tax, different form of financial aid, poverty-trap; instead she should plan on how to live with the inevitable global atmospheric CO2 concentration increase. The same is true for majority of least developed countries (LDCs).Global climate change issue could be a neo-colonialism and neo-cold-war instruments designed by neo-liberal institutions; hence, if Ethiopia is willing to confront any political and economic burden from “Earth friendly” nations and institutions, Ethiopia should lead other Africans’ towards the mid-way solution; and if “Earth friendly” countries does not agree with such just and simple solution; then, Ethiopia should lead Africa, in following USA, and exit from the Paris climate accord. In doing so, Ethiopia may repeat the leadership role she played during African decolonization struggle.