On a hill that once pulsed with life, an ancient Yemeni tree stands tall, its roots deeply embedded in the earth, bearing witness to generations of abundance. Its leaves once danced with the wind, its shade embraced children, and farmers worked joyfully beside it. But today… the scene has changed. Drought gnaws at its roots, and when rain comes, it arrives with a fury that washes away the land—or it never comes at all. The tree groans in silence, waiting for mercy from the sky.
“I am a Yemeni tree. My roots run deep in this fertile land, and I have stood here for generations. I once watched children run under my shade, and the rain would cleanse the earth with the promise of life. But today… I feel like I am suffocating.”
Years ago, this land was a sanctuary for life. The rains came in their seasons, nourishing the farms and filling the valleys. But climate change has upended everything. Drought has become relentless, and sudden floods erase the green, leaving the land barren. The tree is not alone in its suffering; the farmers are paying the price too.
“When the rain betrays you…”
Ali Ahmed, a farmer in his mid-forties, stands before his land, now cracked and parched. As he gazes at his empty field, he says, “Five years ago, the harvests were plentiful. Today, we plant little, and the rain either comes late or not at all. When the floods hit, they wash away both the soil and the crops. We are trapped in a cycle of loss.”
Fatima Saeed, who once relied on farming to raise her children, lost her home to the violent floods. “My house was here, on this very land, but it disappeared under a torrent of mud and water. Now, I live in a tent with my children, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.”
“The land is dying… and so are we.”
Yemen is facing a severe climate crisis. Temperatures have risen by 1.5°C in recent years, intensifying drought and desertification. Studies indicate that 75% of Yemeni land is at risk of desertification, threatening the food security of millions. Devastating floods have destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, sweeping away homes and fields, while deforestation is depleting what remains of the trees.
Climate researcher Ismail Qasem states, “Agriculture in Yemen is under real threat due to climate change. Irregular rainfall, depleting groundwater, and rising temperatures are all factors endangering farmers’ livelihoods.”
Despite the crisis, solutions exist. Qasem highlights the need for drought-resistant crops, water conservation, and modern irrigation techniques. Environmental initiatives are now essential to protect what remains of the green spaces.
“Hope grows amid the drought.”
Amid these challenges, some refuse to give up. Across various regions, environmental initiatives are emerging to revive nature through reforestation and desertification control. Volunteers plant saplings, women nurture the soil with care, and together, they rebuild hope from the ruins.
“I am not alone… there are hands reaching out to save the land. Every tree planted, every drop of water preserved, is a step toward saving Yemen from a barren future. O people of Yemen, do not let the earth weep alone.”
Saving Yemen is no longer an option—it is a necessity. The environment is crying out, and only we can silence its sorrow. Will we let it die… or will we bring it back to life?
How can we protect Yemen?
Amid this crisis, what can be done to save the land and secure the future of coming generations? According to environmental and climate experts, urgent action is needed before it is too late:
1. Reduce dependence on firewood as fuel and transition to more sustainable energy sources such as solar power and gas to protect trees and prevent desertification.
2. Launch widespread tree-planting campaigns in dry areas and protect existing green spaces, as every planted tree is a shield against environmental collapse.
3. Adopt sustainable farming techniques that preserve soil fertility, reduce water consumption, and safeguard crops from climate impacts.
4. Expand water management projects through rainwater harvesting and modern irrigation techniques to ensure a stable water supply for agriculture and daily life.
5. Strengthen international cooperation with environmental and humanitarian organizations to support Yemen in facing climate change and provide sustainable solutions to the crisis.
Perhaps trees cannot scream, but they whisper to us with an urgent plea: “Protect me… so you can protect yourselves.”