Ethiopia Sets New World Record Planting Over 350 Million Trees in 12 Hours!

The deforestation happening all over the world threatens the health of our planet, as well as our survival and that of the animals we share this planet with. Deforestation is causing the Amazon to nearly disappear, killing and cutting down trees – an extremely vital part of our ecosystem, and causing extinction for many species. But one country is taking great steps to try to reverse some damage. Ethiopia’s “Green Legacy” initiative is bringing back trees in a major way!

According to Farm Africa, in the beginning of the 20th century, 35 percent of Ethiopia was forested, but today, less than four percent is forested. Their new initiative aims to plant 4 billion mostly indigenous tress, which is about 40 trees per citizen.

On July 29, staff from the United Nations, African Union, several embassies, and citizens came together to plant a record-breaking 353,633,660 tree seedlings in just 12 hours!

Dr. Dan Ridley-Ellis of Edinburgh Napier University told The Guardian: “Trees not only help mitigate Climate change by absorbing the carbon dioxide in the air, but they also have huge benefits in combating desertification and land degradation, particularly in arid countries. They also provide food, shelter, fuel, fodder, medicine, materials and protection of the water supply.”

What an amazing way to tackle deforestation! We have a responsibility to help the earth recover after the ways it’s been exploited and damaged. Ethiopia’s mission is truly admirable and inspirational. We hope other countries are motivated to follow suit!

To learn more about deforestation, see 5 Big Causes of Deforestation and How You Can Stop It and The Impact of Deforestation and The Importance of Trees.

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