As the world gathers once again for the 29th annual Conference of the Parties (COP 29) in Baku Azerbaijan, the urgency to address climate change has never been greater. This conference, hosted in [Host Country/City], marks a pivotal moment for global leaders, scientists, and activists to review progress, solidify commitments, and chart new courses for collective action.
Recent data continues to highlight the severe impacts of climate change. From record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented wildfires to devastating floods and hurricanes, the consequences of global warming are being felt worldwide. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that the world is on track to exceed 1.5°C of warming within the next decade unless dramatic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are achieved.
This threshold—while seemingly small—is a critical line. Crossing it risks triggering irreversible changes in the Earth’s climate system, including the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
COP 29 serves as an essential platform for the global community to collaborate and make meaningful progress. Key objectives for this conference include: COP 29 will push for concrete steps toward fulfilling and surpassing the $100 billion annual commitment made by developed countries.
The conference will showcase advancements in renewable energy technologies and discuss strategies for scaling up their adoption to replace fossil fuels.
One of the most pressing discussions will center on mechanisms for compensating countries that suffer severe climate-induced losses.
Ethiopia stands out as an example of proactive climate action through its Green Legacy Initiative. Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this ambitious program aims to combat deforestation, reduce soil erosion, and improve biodiversity by planting billions of trees. To date, Ethiopia has planted over 25 billion trees, a remarkable achievement that not only supports local ecosystems but also contributes to global carbon sequestration efforts.
The Green Legacy Initiative has proven successful in several ways: Environmental Restoration: Reforestation has helped to rehabilitate degraded lands, increasing rainfall retention and reducing the impact of droughts.
Millions of Ethiopians, including students, farmers, and urban residents, have participated in tree-planting campaigns, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
By promoting agroforestry, the country has created new economic opportunities, enabling farmers to grow fruit-bearing trees alongside their crops, which helps improve food security and livelihoods.
Ethiopia’s broader climate efforts also include investments in renewable energy, particularly in hydroelectric power. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is poised to significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, challenges remain, such as balancing economic development with environmental conservation and ensuring that climate initiatives are inclusive and sustainable.
Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this program aims to combat the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation by mobilizing millions of Ethiopians to plant billions of trees across the country. The initiative has grown into one of the largest reforestation projects in the world, garnering attention and admiration both regionally and globally.
The Green Legacy Initiative was conceived as a direct response to the growing challenges posed by deforestation, soil erosion, and erratic weather patterns affecting Ethiopia. Deforestation had reduced the country’s forest cover from around 40% at the beginning of the 20th century to less than 15% by the early 2000s. Recognizing the urgent need to reverse this trend, the government initiated a nationwide tree-planting campaign with the ambitious goal of planting 20 billion seedlings by 2024.
Since its launch, the Green Legacy Initiative has seen tremendous success. By 2023, Ethiopians had already planted over 25 billion trees, surpassing initial expectations. The campaign’s most remarkable moment came in July 2019, when Ethiopians planted over 353 million trees in a single day, setting a new world record for the most trees planted in a 24-hour period.
This large-scale environmental movement has been supported by both public and private institutions, with schools, community groups, and local governments playing significant roles in organizing and executing tree-planting events. The initiative has also garnered international partnerships and attracted attention from environmentalists worldwide.
Despite its significant achievements, the Green Legacy Initiative is not without challenges. Ensuring the survival and maintenance of the planted trees is a critical concern. Limited resources, climate variability, and competing land use needs can impact the long-term success of reforestation efforts. Additionally, scaling up the initiative to ensure sustainable impacts requires continuous support, both financially and technically.
Looking ahead, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative holds immense potential to serve as a model for other countries facing similar environmental challenges. By emphasizing community engagement, sustainable practices and international cooperation, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a leader in reforestation and climate resilience.
Legacy Initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and visionary leadership. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the initiative stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing that large-scale environmental restoration is possible with coordinated effort and public commitment. While challenges remain, the seeds sown today promise a greener, more sustainable future for Ethiopia and, by example, for the world at large.
Despite incremental progress made in previous summits, significant challenges remain. The world has seen a rise in renewable energy use, but this progress is uneven. Some nations have rapidly expanded solar and wind capacities, while others struggle with economic and political barriers.
Furthermore, global emissions, particularly from industrialized nations, continue to rise. The transition to a low-carbon economy requires more than ambitious pledges; it needs actionable policies, innovative technologies, and systemic changes in sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Beyond governmental policies, COP 29 emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and corporate responsibility. Citizens, NGOs, and private sector players are increasingly involved in sustainable practices, pushing for transparency and accountability in climate action.
COP 29 represents not just another conference but a moment of global reckoning. Achieving tangible results will require unity, determination, and a shared commitment to ambitious, immediate action. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities to foster a sustainable future for all.
As the world watches the outcomes of COP 29, one thing remains clear: the fight against climate change is a collective journey—one that requires contributions from every sector, nation, and individual. The decisions made at this summit will shape the future of our planet for generations to come.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2024
