Mengist, Mulugeta (PhD)Fetene, Atikilt2019-04-042023-11-082019-04-042023-11-082013-05http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/17543Africa is the continent which contributes least to global emissions of greenhouse gases-yet is the most vulnerable to its effects of reducing agricultural production, food security, increased flooding and drought, widespread diseases, availability of water, and conflict over scarce land and water resources. The fact that Africa is regarded as one of the most vulnerable continents in terms of climate change means that Africa needs to take some initiatives to combat the adverse impacts of climate change. The continent’s particular vulnerability will be exacerbated unless urgent action is taken. This thesis is conducted to identify the actual and potential impacts of climate change in Africa, international climate change negotiations and how and to what extent these international negotiations have been protecting the interests of Africa. Specifically, the thesis aims to identify the roles and responses of the African Union and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations in combating climate change. To gather the needed data, exploratory method of research is used to explore international climate change regimes, climate change regimes of the African Union and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations, decisions and declarations of the African Union, programs and projects implemented by the African Union, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations and individual African states. The results showed that the African Union, as a pan African institution, responds to avert the catastrophes of climate change by enacting its own climate change regimes, acceding to the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, developing its common position to climate change. The African Union also responds to climate change in partnership with various multilateral and bilateral organizations. On the other hand, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations also play a key role in combating climate change. However, the responses of the African Union and subregional intergovernmental organizations is mainly hampered by member states’ conflicting needs and interests, lack of clear relationship between the African Union and sub- regional intergovernmental organizations, regional power house and the existence of various policy gaps at the national and sub- regional levels. So, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations and individual African states should harmonize interests and needs with that of the African Union. African governments should integrate climate change issues into economic planning and management at both national levels and should enhance coordination among them. MeasuresenCritical Assessment of the Role and the Response of the AfricanThesis