Environment
ENVIRONMENTALIST Gloria Bulus says tree-planting is the way out for curbing the effect of climate change now a major threat to mankind.
Bulus, an expert in climate change issues and founder of the Bridge-that-Gap Initiative, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
She said that research had shown that carbon dioxide emitted into the air from various sources could be curtailed by planting more trees.
“When it comes to fighting climate change effects, tree planting has emerged as one of the most popular weapons.
“Trees help stop climate change by eliminating carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
“Scientists have got evidence that trees are effective in reducing global warming by removing huge amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.
“Study says that trees could potentially absorb two-thirds of the carbon that has been added to the atmosphere as a result of human activity,” she told NAN.
Bulus also suggested how government and individuals could help in the fight against deforestation and the planting of more trees.
“There are so many ways the government and even individuals can fight deforestation of our country. The government needs to strengthen our laws and policies that relate to deforestation.
“The government should also involve the indigenous people (local communities) in addressing deforestation, especially in decision making on strategies needed in using community-based approach.
“Sensitisation and awareness on the importance of forest resources and dangers of deforestation should top the agenda of the agriculture and environment ministries.
“There should be proper conservation of our forest resources, introduction of initiatives that will protect our trees, and individuals need to build a culture of tree planting,” Bulus stated.
The environmentalist also suggested that trees could be used against incessant flooding as being experienced across the country.
“Planting trees around rivers is said to reduce flooding by up to 20 per cent. Also, trees planted on feeder streams can slow the rush of rainwater and save properties from flooding.
“Trees are known to help keep soil in place. Their roots soak up water because without trees, rain runs off soil into rivers and streams, raising the water level.
“Trees don’t only prevent flooding it also minimizes damages flood can cause. Floods are caused because the rain cannot soak into the soil fast enough.
“Incentives can be introduced around tree planting and laws and policies can also be put in place on tree planting and protection of available trees,” said Bulus.
NAN
-Oct 14, 2019 @17:15 GMT |
Tags: Environmentalist says Tree planting panacea to climate change palaver
