Ethiopia has set a new world record for the most trees ever planted in a single day, planting more than 350 million seedlings and young plants in an effort to reverse the effects of deforestation and climate change. Source: Timberbiz
The campaign comes after reports that the country’s forest coverage has declined from 35% to 4% over the last century. It is part of the Ethiopian government’s Green Legacy initiative, involving volunteers at 1000 sites across the country.
The program beat its initial goal of 200 million trees, surpassing the standing record held by India since 2016 at 50 million trees.
Ethiopia’s success represents an encouraging milestone for African nations, who are already facing many of the consequences of the climate change including declining rainfall, desertification, food insecurity, disease and climate migration.
Tree planting has several other environmental benefits that will aid in reversing many of Ethiopia’s current environmental challenges including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, drought, and water and air pollution.
Globally, it is estimated that, while leaving room for people and crops, the world has space for one trillion more trees.
