ADDIS ABABA– Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)President Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous called on countries worldwide to take immediate action against climate change during the launch of Ethiopia’s first Hydromel Conference yesterday.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen highlighted that the world is currently facing severe droughts, devastating floods, and various extreme weather events. “These disasters disrupt not only economies but also families, livelihoods, and the future of humanity. We must be honest: Africa, particularly Eastern Africa, bears a heavy burden that our region has endured for far too long,” he stated.
For him, droughts and floods have become part of daily life. “We should not focus solely on challenges; we are here to take action. As the climate changes, our responsibilities must also evolve. Since 2019, Ethiopia has taken bold steps forward with the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative,” he noted.
The launch of the Green Legacy Initiative sent a powerful message to the world, signaling Ethiopia’s determination to confront this crisis actively. “This initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture; it aims to change our trajectory and do so collectively,” he remarked.
“Over the past six years, we have planted more than 40 billion trees-figures that represent much more than mere statistics. As a result, floods have decreased, forests have been restored, and soil has been safeguarded.”
Ethiopia’s forest coverage has now risen to 23.6 percent, a significant improvement that indicates a slowdown in deforestation and soil erosion. Additionally, the volume of water in rivers, including transboundary rivers, is on the rise.
Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, also the Director General of the UAE National Center for Meteorology, highlighted that climate change disrupts the hydrological cycle and stressed the necessity for early warning systems to combat water shortages. He called for improved data sharing and monitoring, stating, “Africa is the fastest-warming continent, and in 2023, several African countries, including Ethiopia, are experiencing severe droughts and climate crises.” He added, “The crisis demands immediate action. Let us unite to safeguard our world. The WMO is working with countries to enhance water resource management and has launched online platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing and information exchange.”
He commended Ethiopia for its significant efforts to improve climate conditions, emphasizing the Green Legacy Initiative’s crucial role in addressing the crisis.
Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa (PhD-Eng.) noted that the most degraded areas of the country, particularly in river gorges, are being reforested under the Green Legacy Initiative. He highlighted a reforestation rate of four to five percent in the Abbay (Nile) Valley’s gorges.
Additionally, he mentioned that the volumes of rivers, including the Awash and Abbay, have increased since the initiative’s launch.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2024
