Do you know what Earth Day is? It’s an annual event celebrated on April 22 when millions of people honour our planet and promote its preservation. I’m Ahmed, a young climate activist, and I want to share how, along with 20 other young people, I went to a school in Chetou village in Mali to raise awareness on environmental protection on Earth Day.
Climate change in Mali
This April, the region of Kayes recorded the highest temperatures ever documented in Africa. There have been more frequent and intense droughts, decreasing water resources, lower agricultural productivity, and more spread of heat-related diseases. This is extremely concerning because our economy largely depends on agriculture and livestock. Moreover, the school day has been shortened to avoid exposing children to high temperatures, which comes at a price in a country where the literacy rate is already very low.
We, the young generation, are the most affected by climate change and the most motivated to act. In Mali, where youth make up over 70% of the population, our involvement in the decisions that need to be taken to preserve our planet is crucial.
Each individual has the power to contribute to the protection of our planet and to reduce our carbon footprint. That's why, with other young people, I regularly organize recycling workshops for students, and take part in conferences and awareness campaigns to inform and educate people about current environmental issues. I strive to show people the importance of changing our consumption habits, and taking actions that protect our environment.
Earth Day in Chetou
At dawn, we left the capital Bamako and travelled 45 kilometres to reach Chetou. The warm welcome we received from the villagers set an encouraging tone for our mission. The mayor and the village chief stressed the importance of our visit and the role of youth in environmental preservation.
At the school, we organized a tree planting day. We identified this school because despite being very large, it had no trees. By midday it gets very hot there and the children must go home. Before we started, we talked to the children about why we need to plant trees and the importance of getting involved in climate action and becoming an eco-responsible generation.
Next, the students of Chetou used their talents to depict, through sketches, the dramatic consequences of climate change on their daily lives, particularly the impact on food security and their education.
Finally, the children all pitched in to plant trees. They each committed to looking after one tree. We gave them tools to water and tend the plants, and we will return to the school and see their progress.
This symbolic act represents a fundamental step in the fight against climate change. Each tree we planted in Chetou is a hero in its own right, green warriors absorbing carbon dioxide and providing ecological benefits. They will grow and offer this village, and the world, a more breathable and liveable future.
Our adventure in Chetou was not just another day. It was a catalyst for collective awareness. By combining festivities, concrete actions and commitments, we sowed the seeds of change so that they may germinate and flourish, like the trees we planted that day.
Earth Day lasts only one day, but protecting our environment is an effort we must make every day. The fight against climate change needs action involving all countries and all people. In Chetou, as everywhere else, every one of us can contribute to making our planet a healthier place. Awareness must spread, take root, and develop. May our experience inspire other communities around the world to adopt eco-responsible actions and celebrate our precious planet Earth every day.