Algeria warns of climate change impacts on water and food
President Tebboune told COP31 that Algeria faces desertification, drought, and wildfires, and outlined national projects to cut emissions.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune warned on Thursday, November 12, that Algeria is experiencing the effects of climate change, impacting its water and food security. In a speech read at the COP31 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, Tebboune stated that Algeria faces desertification, recurring droughts, and expanding wildfires. He noted that these issues are central to Algeria's public policies, which aim to balance development needs with global emission reduction efforts, despite the country's small contribution to global emissions.
Tebboune announced that Algeria has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), setting an unconditional target to reduce emissions by 14% by 2035, funded by national resources. The country is willing to increase this reduction to 31% with international support. Algeria is undertaking national projects, including a program to reach 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035, adopting a national hydrogen strategy, and improving energy efficiency and public transport. Efforts also focus on reducing gas flaring and methane emissions.
Adaptation is a priority for Algeria, which is working to preserve water security through seawater desalination and treated water reuse. The country is also reviving the Green Dam project, combining desertification control with rural development. Tebboune highlighted that the scale of these adaptation needs exceeds national capabilities, indicating a need for international cooperation.
Why it mattersAlgeria's president stated that national projects to combat climate change, including renewable energy targets and water security measures, are being implemented.