A renowned environmental expert, Dr. Ferdinand Gaidom, has called on Nigerians to take immediate action against global warming by planting trees.
He made the call during a one-day sensitization workshop with the theme: ‘Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting Across the Niger Delta Region’ on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
Our correspondent reports that the event was organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of the activities in launching a tree planting campaign in the state.
The former Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Project Director who said that the earth is much warmer than the mid-19th century, added that tree planting is a simple yet effective way to mitigate the effects of climate change.
He disclosed that the country alone emits over 70 millions tons of carbodioxide daily through its gass flaring activities and that such action can continuously damage the ozone layer and expose the earth to grave danger.
Gaidom emphasised that individuals can start by planting trees in their backyards or communities, joining local tree-planting groups, or supporting organisations dedicated to reforestation efforts.
“The increase of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide completely triggers climate changes around the world and it has been described by the scientific community as the biggest existential threat to man.
“The collective carbon dioxide gas being released into the atmosphere daily from flaring in Nigeria amounts to 70 millions tones.
“Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it, and releasing oxygen. By planting more trees, Nigerians can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing down global warming,” he added.
In his paper presentation titled, ‘Factors and Challenges of Sustainable Tree Plans and Preservation in Akwa Ibom State and the Way Forward’, Prof Gabriel Umoh noted that the lack of environmental laws and policies is one of the challenges facing tree planting.
Umoh, a Professor of Agricultural and Development Economic, University of Uyo said that government should set up a reward system to reward individuals with proven tree planting and maintenance habit.
Speaking earlier, The State Director of NDDC, Mr Evong Evong noted that tree planting initiative launched by the Commission will make the region greener and safer against climate change.
He noted that so far, the commission has already gone to different schools, including NYSC camp across the state and planted economic trees.
Evong urged other regions to equally take action by planting trees for the sustainability of their environments.
On his part, the Managing Director of Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), Anthony Chovwen, commended NDDC for giving approval for the project birthed by his foundation, added that “This is why we’ve this programme going on now for over two months now across the Niger Delta.
“We started with actual tree planting on the Eastern Bypass in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. NDDC then felt beyond tree planting, a pilot stage of the programme, we should go to the different Niger Delta states to reawaken the practice of tree planing through sensitization.
“We do tree planting because it is one of the surest way to mitigate the challenge of climate change. It’s proven all over the world. The carbon balance is integral. We (humans) take a lot of oxygen and produce a whole lot of carbon dioxide. Once there is no balance between what we give and take, there is an imbalance.
“The trees are our best bet to absorb the carbon dioxide released through human or industrial footprints. There are industrial pollution everywhere. The tree is our carbon sink that takes the carbon from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen we all need.”
“Make tree planting part of your life. Take this message to anyone you come across. When you have significant event in your life plant a tree. A birth or death is recorded, plant tree to not just remember the day but to contribute to the fight against climate change.
“And we are happy students are embracing it with all enthusiasm because they are they future. Beyond us they will carry on,” Chovwen added.
Evong urged other regions to equally take action by planting trees for the sustainability of their environments.