BY TIRUSEW GERESU
Since the launch of the green legacy initiative in 2019 Ethiopia managed to plant more than 20 billion trees in different regions of the country. More than 20 million Ethiopians actively participated in this green legacy initiative. By any measure this is a remarkable achievement. Then why the international community gave a deaf ear to this effort?
The green legacy initiative in Ethiopia is aligned with both the United Nations sustainable development goal 13 and the Paris climate agreement. There is no question about it. The initiative has impacted positively the lives of many who are dependent on agriculture and helped reverse the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. The impact is immense. This is the fact on the ground. But neither the UN nor the countries in the west acknowledged the efforts of the Ethiopian people, which is really shocking.
In his official visit to Mongolia, August 9, 2022, United nations Secretary General praised an effort of tree planting which is very less contribution compared to that of Ethiopia. This one scenario where the international community chose to ignore the effort by Ethiopia while praising others. This is a double standard.
Ethiopia is one of the few countries that are committed to the United Nations sustainable development goal 13 that envisions limiting the increase in global mean temperature to two degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels aiming at 1.50C. Ethiopia’s commitment is clearly indicated by integrating climate change measures into its national policies, strategies and planning. Climate Action tracker rated Ethiopia’s climate policies and action consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C. Fewer countries managed to achieve this.
Moreover, Ethiopia developed and implemented a mitigation policy which is based on its Climate-Resilient Green Economy strategy, scaled up its renewable energy program and introduced transport services like railways which are renewable energy powered. Again another achievement worth praising! Even though the Ethiopian people and government dedicated their time and effort to this common global cause the developed world failed to recognize this effort.
Much is needed to limit the global warming to 1.5 degree centigrade and the world should take additional 28 Giga tonnes of CO2 off annual emissions to meet the 2030 commitments but most of the developed nations failed to keep their promise .Unlike the developed world that are responsible to climate change Ethiopia and other few other nations’ are committed over the years to the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN SDG 13.Undermining or overlooking the achievement of Ethiopia in combating climate change will never undermine the chance of achieving its goals in 2030.
Unlike ignoring efforts made the developed nation should give finance and technological support so that the developing world adapt to climate change. Moreover, compensation to the developing nations is out of question. Developed nations should also abide to their commitment to contribute 100 Billion dollar compensations scheme. Giving a deaf ear to the efforts of the developing nations like Ethiopia is just small bushes that were no good for an ostrich to hide behind. The efforts of countries like Ethiopia that are the most climate innocent nations on earth shouldn’t be overlooked. It should be praised and deserves proper recognition by the international community. Ethiopia succeeded not only with planting, but also with the maintenance and nurturing of the trees.
One thing should be underscored in this regard. Ethiopia is managing to be successful in creating environmentally conscious society and development this is what commitment to our collective future means in its practical senses. The world should take lessons from Ethiopia’s success.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
The Ethiopian Herald 31 August 2022
