Climate change represents an urgent and far-reaching global challenge, manifesting in rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms. These phenomena imperil ecosystems, human health, and economic stability worldwide. The consequences are multifaceted, including melting glaciers, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to food and water security. While the crisis affects all regions, its local impacts vary, influenced by geographical and socio-economic factors. For instance, some areas face intensified heatwaves, while others struggle with flooding or drought, compounding existing vulnerabilities and potentially escalating social and political tensions.

Efforts to confront climate change have been formalized through international agreements like the Paris Agreement of 2015 and the earlier Kyoto Protocol, which mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with a focus on industrialised nations' responsibilities. In addition, countries develop Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), setting their own emission reduction targets and climate action plans to transition towards low-carbon economies. Financial incentives for renewable energy, carbon pricing mechanisms, and sustainable land management represent some of the strategies employed globally within this framework to mitigate the impacts of climate change and foster adaptation.

Amid these international efforts, Ethiopia has emerged as a notable example of proactive environmental stewardship through its Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019. This ambitious programme aims to plant billions of trees to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and combat deforestation, thereby increasing the country’s resilience to climate change effects such as drought and soil erosion. The initiative, involving wide community participation including schools and local organisations, sought to plant 20 billion seedlings by 2022. Following this initial phase, the government launched a second Green Legacy program in 2023, building on previous successes with millions of trees planted and significant public engagement. The initiative not only promotes ecological restoration but also supports economic growth by creating employment opportunities in agriculture and forestry.

Of particular significance is the expansion of Ethiopia's Green Legacy efforts beyond its borders, evolving into a Pan-African endeavour. Initially focused on neighbouring countries, the programme has extended its reach westward by donating 4,000 tree seedlings to Nigeria as part of its seventh iteration. This gesture, symbolised by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s presentation of saplings to Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscores Ethiopia's commitment to regional and international environmental cooperation. The handover ceremony in Abuja, attended by diplomats and government representatives, reflects shared ambitions between the two nations to address climate change collaboratively while promoting natural restoration. Additionally, Ethiopia has continued supplying seedlings to other neighbouring states such as Djibouti, which has repeatedly benefited from these efforts.

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is aligned with broader goals of sustainable development and international climate targets, including those articulated in the Paris Agreement. It integrates ecosystem-based approaches with community-driven participation, fostering climate resilience through rehabilitation of degraded lands and enhanced carbon sequestration. This aligns closely with the recommended climate-resilient development pathways emphasised by global climate frameworks, which advocate for inclusive and equitable strategies combining adaptation and mitigation. Ethiopia’s actions exemplify how national policies, supported by international cooperation and domestic mobilisation, can multiply their environmental impact across regions.

Africa as a continent faces escalating climate risks, particularly given that it is warming faster than the global average. This has dire implications for water resources, food security, and economic growth, with many regions experiencing disrupted rainfall patterns and increased frequency of severe weather events. Countries like Kenya also demonstrate leadership in renewable energy adoption and climate advocacy, highlighting the growing importance of green growth as a dual environmental and economic strategy within Africa. However, the continent continues to grapple with challenges in implementing international climate commitments, such as insufficiencies in funding and enforcement, which underscores the need for innovative, localized solutions like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy.

In summary, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative moves beyond national reforestation to foster continental cooperation on climate action, symbolising a scalable model of environmental resilience and international collaboration. By extending its tree planting efforts into West Africa, Ethiopia contributes meaningfully to a shared continental vision for sustainability, demonstrating that tackling the global climate crisis demands coordinated efforts that bridge borders and communities.