Ethiopia Takes Aim at Climate Change, Plants 700 Million Trees

Ethiopia is a landlocked African country just southeast of the Sahara Desert. It's often drawn on Western topographical maps in a dusty brown hue. Now, Ethiopia is working hard to make sure the first color it brings to mind is a rich, leafy green. To do so, the nation has pledged to plant 50 billion trees by 2026.  

On Thursday, Ethiopia launched its seventh Legacy planting day. It's now a yearly event. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed detailed the country’s lofty goal that morning on social media.  

“We kicked off this year’s one-day green Legacy planting early this morning,” Abiy wrote on X. “Our goal for the 7th year is 700 million seedlings. Let’s achieve it (as one).” 

As the day went on, millions of Ethiopians heeded the prime minister’s call. About 14.9 million citizens had planted 355 million trees by 6am Thursday. Later that day, 714.7 million saplings had been planted across the country. The feat was announced in a press release from Girma Amente, Ethiopia's agriculture minister.

Among those planting trees was 13-year-old Nathenael Behailu.  

“I have come with my mother and this is my third time planting trees,” the student told The Associated Press. “I dream of seeing a green environment for my country.”

Also planting trees for the third time was Ayanaw Asrat. He lives in the capital city of Addis Ababa. “I came early and I have so far planted 15 seedlings,” he told the AP. “I am very happy to (help create) greener areas across Addis.”

The Green Legacy program was announced in 2019. Since then, more than 40 billion trees have been planted, Ethiopian officials say. The goal for this year is 7.5 billion.

Thought Question: What is something you’ve done, or would like to do, to help take care of the environment?

Photo of planting trees in Ethiopia from Wikimedia Commons courtesy of Trees ForTheFuture.