Shettima: We must tackle climate change with tailored, practical solutions

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on world leaders to adopt tailored and practical solutions to respond to their unique ecological conditions.

Speaking on Friday at the launch of Ethiopia’s green legacy initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa, Shettima said climate change is not a theoretical problem but a real threat that demands immediate and context-specific responses.

GLI is an initiative that seeks to combat deforestation, restore biodiversity, and reduce the impacts of climate change by planting 20 billion tree seedlings over four years.

The vice-president urged countries not to adopt generic global approaches that may not suit their circumstances.

“Climate change is not a problem to solve in a conference room but a danger needing practical intervention,” Shettima said.

“Every nation must respond to its specific ecological challenges with tailored and practical solutions.

“Ethiopia’s green legacy is not just a plan. It is an inspiring reimagination of the future and a demonstration of true leadership.”

He commended Ethiopia for initiating such an ambitious programme without foreign assistance and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the initiative.

‘THE FUTURE MUST BE PLANTED’

Shettima said Nigeria and Ethiopia– Africa’s two most populous nations – have a shared responsibility to lead the continent’s climate response.

He said promises made at past United Nations climate summits must now translate into tangible action, citing Ethiopia’s effort as a model worth replicating.

“These numbers prove to us that the future must be planted, nurtured, and actively built through bold environmental action,” the vice-president added.

“The cost of inaction is too high. That’s why we must move from being spectators to active participants.”

Shettima also delivered President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill message and conveyed the solidarity of the Nigerian people.

He thanked the Ethiopian government for its hospitality during the visit and said the Nigerian delegation felt welcomed not only by warm gestures but also by shared environmental values.

Abiy Ahmed, prime minister of Ethiopia, called on African nations to see tree planting not as a campaign but as a cultural shift.

Ahmed said Ethiopia did not rely on external support to begin its reforestation effort and urged African countries to pursue home-grown solutions to climate challenges.

“This year’s theme, ‘Rise by Planting’, reflects our ambition to stun the world through environmental transformation,” he said.

He commended Nigeria for its support, adding that President Tinubu’s leadership would help galvanise more action across the continent.

Ahmed expressed optimism that the upcoming African climate summit to be hosted in Ethiopia would serve as a rallying point for nations committed to a shared green future.

Earlier, Vice-President Shettima visited Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa — a tour showcasing Ethiopia’s historical journey, scientific strides, and sustainability goals.