The Minister of Planning in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) Mohamed Al-Zaidani, announced an initiative to plant 100 million trees, aimed at absorbing approximately three million tons of carbon dioxide.
Al-Zaidani stated that the initiative would be fully implemented by 2030, covering 100,000 hectares of land. Of this, 40% will be fruit trees, and 60% will be forest trees, as per his remarks at the fifth session of the Arab Council for Population and Development in Cairo.
Addressing climate change and the devastating floods in Derna, Al-Zaidani expressed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the threat climate change poses to achieving sustainable development goals.
He highlighted Libya’s commitment to sustainable development, citing the country’s collaboration with the United Nations on a framework to support its journey towards becoming a more peaceful, and stable nation.
Earlier this month, Environment Minister, Ibrahim Al-Arabi met with the UNICEF Libya representative. The meeting held in Tripoli, explored avenues for future collaboration on climate and environmental issues, and the launching of a joint plan for the year 2024.
During the meeting, Al-Arabi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to UNICEF for its focus on integrating youth into climate issues, and building their negotiating capacities to attend and participate in the Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai.
As well as the ministry’s anticipation to enhance collaborative efforts with UNICEF and expand projects that align with the ministry’s vision for the year 2024.
Last month, the Foreign Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij criticized France for its slow response to the devastating floods in the city of Derna.
He said that the flooding was a “natural disaster” that was difficult to handle. Al-Hwaij placed responsibility for the disaster on those contributing to global climate change, stating, “We are victims of major industrialized nations.”
Responding to a question by the French newspaper, Le Figaro on whether the Libyan authorities would accept an international investigation into the responsibilities for the flood disaster, Al-Hwaij mentioned that “the Libyan Attorney General is overseeing the investigation.”
He emphasised that adapting to the natural disaster, regardless of the level of preparedness, was challenging.
“If we are to hold anyone accountable, it would be those responsible for global climate change. This is unprecedented in the region’s history, and we are victims of major industrialized nations, including France,” he said.
He called on these industrialized nations to bear “moral responsibility” and adhere to the Paris and Marrakech agreements on climate.