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In a powerful show of hope and environmental ambition, Ethiopia launched a massive national campaign this week to plant 700 million trees in a single day. The bold reforestation effort is in service of the country's vision of a greener, more sustainable future.

The project, called Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, has been personally championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He took to social media this week encouraging citizens across the country to dig in (literally).

And they did. Photos online show residents grabbing shovels and seedlings, ready to contribute to the nationwide push.

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“This is more than just tree planting,” Abiy said in a statement. “It is a call to action for every citizen, young and old, urban and rural, to take part in restoring our environment, protecting our water sources, improving livelihoods, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Forest cover in Ethiopia has dramatically declined over the past century, contributing to soil erosion, food insecurity, and the effects of climate change. Planting trees, organizers say, is one of the most direct and accessible ways to restore ecosystems and boost resilience.

(MORE: Can Planting Trees Cause More Rainfall?)

Government officials told the Associated Press that more than 40 billion tree seedlings have been planted since the initiative launched in 2019, transforming landscapes and sparking global attention. The ultimate goal is 50 billion trees by next year.

With tools in hand and optimism in the air, Ethiopia is proving that even the most ambitious goals can take root when communities come together.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.