The Nigerian chapter of the Progressive Students Movement (PSM), under the leadership of the Pan African Students Movement, is calling on Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal to implement widespread tree planting initiatives in order to combat the ongoing destruction caused by wind and rain storms. Comrade Amb. Bestman Okereafor, the president of PSM, addressed members of the press in Abuja on May 31, 2024, with a statement. According to his statement, PSM strongly disapproves of the ongoing and haphazard cutting down of trees in pursuit of financial benefits.
He stressed the importance of replacing each tree that is cut down with at least two new trees right away. Trees are essential for providing protection against harmful windstorms. Planting a large number of trees across the country is essential not only for enhancing the beauty of the environment but also as a solution to combat Climate Change, including issues like global warming and ecological challenges. Trees like teak, palm trees, and other large varieties play a crucial role in minimizing the negative impacts of windstorms.
FG to plant 6M trees in Nig to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the minister of State for Environment, recently revealed the initiative of the Federal Government to plant six million trees across the country in efforts to combat the adverse impacts of Climate Change in Nigeria. The appeal of the PSM to Dr. Salako is to support this crucial endeavour. Their urgent plea is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly unveil the project and proceed with its prompt execution, without any unnecessary postponement.
Also, PSM is urging other states to follow in the footsteps of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who initiated the planting of three million trees in April 2024. These trees are planned to be spread across all 44 local government areas in Kano. Planting trees involves moving young tree seedlings to new locations, often done for Forestry, restoring land, or enhancing the appearance of an area. This type of planting is distinct from moving larger trees for maintenance or from spreading tree seeds, which is cheaper but less consistent.
Desert greening initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity.
Trees have a lasting impact on their surroundings by producing oxygen, cleaning the air, regulating climate, retaining water, protecting soil, and fostering wildlife. Trees also play a vital role in Photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is essential for the air humans breathe. Reforestation entails the process of introducing young plants to a designated area of land that has experienced Deforestation due to various factors such as fire, disease, or human intervention.
Furthermore, planting trees can be effective in the reduction of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, serving as a valuable tool in mitigating climate change. In addition to this environmental benefit, desert greening initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity, restore natural water systems, and boost economic and social well-being through job creation in Agriculture and forestry. During photosynthesis, trees capture carbon dioxide from the air and transform it into glucose and oxygen using chlorophyll in their leaves and sunlight.
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This process not only provides energy for the tree but also releases oxygen into the atmosphere. The carbon is then stored in different parts of the tree such as roots, stems, branches, and leaves in the form of biomass. Trees play a vital role in capturing carbon dioxide and storing it for extended periods of time. Sustainable Forest practices, as well as efforts to expand and restore forests, are crucial in the fight against climate change.
