Vice President Kashim Shettima is urging the world to take strong, practical steps against climate change. He believes that mere discussions won’t cut it. This message came during the launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa.
Shettima highlighted Ethiopia’s ambitious goal to plant 20 billion trees in just four years. He called this initiative a visionary move toward environmental recovery and economic growth through green jobs. “This challenge requires real action, not just meetings,” he stated. “Ethiopia’s plan is a powerful example of how to envision a brighter future.”
Under the GLI, over 20,000 nurseries have been created, along with hundreds of thousands of green jobs. This effort shows a strong commitment to a green and inclusive future.
During his visit, Shettima expressed solidarity with Ethiopia, noting that both Nigeria and Ethiopia bear significant demographic responsibility as Africa’s most populous nations. He pointed out that these countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. “The cost of ignoring this crisis will hit us hardest,” he said, emphasizing the need for leadership.
Shettima pledged Nigeria’s support for the Green Legacy Initiative and a readiness to work with other nations to protect the environment. “We’ve made promises at COP summits, but today we celebrate action. Ethiopia sets an example we all need to follow,” he remarked.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed echoed this sentiment, calling for all African nations to adopt the Green Legacy vision. He stressed that local actions are more valuable than foreign aid. “We embarked on this 20 billion tree initiative without external funding. This year’s theme, ‘Rise by Planting,’ highlights our determination. Nigeria plays a crucial role, given its influence in Africa,” he said.
With Ethiopia hosting the next UN Climate Change Summit, the continent has a golden opportunity to unite around a shared green agenda. This event could be a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.
Interestingly, the Green Legacy Initiative resonates with recent trends seen on social media, where individuals and organizations rally around environmental causes. A recent survey found that 70% of young people feel passionate about fighting climate change and prefer supporting eco-friendly projects. This growing engagement shows that the call for action is louder than ever.
Vice President Shettima’s visit included tours of significant sites in Ethiopia, like Unity Park and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum. These landmarks reflect the country’s rich history and its ongoing transformation.
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