When it comes to the health impacts of air pollution, the stakes have never been higher in Ethiopia. The dangers that air pollution and poses on developing countries have increased drastically in the last decade. Although, Ethiopia’s climate resilient green economy strategy can be taken as a first step to counter the dangers that air pollution poses, More concrete steps should be done in order to significantly decrease the catastrophes that follow the indifference attitude towards climate change and air pollution. In a 2004 study carried out by McMichael and others, it was calculated that 36,000 lives were already being lost each year across Eastern Africa (including Ethiopia) because of climate change. The same study calculates that the greatest future health risks associated with climate change in 2030 will be flooding, followed by malaria, diarrohoeal disease, malnutrition and cardiovascular diseases.

According to the World health Organization, 68% of Ethiopians are already living in areas at risk from malaria, where transmission is unstable and characterized by large scale of epidemics. For example, in 2003 large scale epidemics resulted in 2 million confirmed cases and 3000 deaths.

The 4^th report of the IPCC states that by the 2050s malaria will have entered into the highland areas of Ethiopia and that by 2080 conditions will be highly suitable for malaria transmission.

The health impacts of climate change and air pollution will be felt through six mechanisms.

• Morbidity and mortality as a result of temperature extremes

• Health problems associated with weather related air quality

• Injury and mortality through floods and storms

• Increases in vector borne diseases, such as malaria and bilharzias

• Low quality of life and reduced wellbeing

Even though the pitfalls are many, if the country takes the right measures in time, the impacts of climate change and air pollution can be dealt with properly.  The concrete steps Ethiopia takes to counter the impacts of air pollution and climate change must include

• Adapt to the impacts of climate change by strengthening health systems to enable a response to climate related health risks

• Advocate for political attention to the issues

• Raise awareness of risks and coping mechanisms for behavior change and social support

• Undertake a national assessment of vulnerability to climate related Health risks.

Eco-generation in Ethiopia will be commemorate the 46^th Earth day by planting trees and raising awareness on Health impacts and air pollution on 25^th April 2016.`