Chijioke Iremeka
Environmental experts have said more tree planting would go a long way in reducing the effects of climate change in Nigeria and the rest of the world in 2024.
The experts noted that with the level of harsh climatic conditions experienced in the year 2023, Nigerians and the rest of the world should expect a hotter climate in the year.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, an environmental activist and founding partner, Dawn Project Initiative, Desmond Majekodunmi, said the increase in tree planting on the environment would reduce the impact of climate change in the country in the coming years.
He assured that though tree planting may not have an immediate impact on the environment, “the solution to climate change is found in “tree planting, tree planting, and tree planting.”
Majekodunmi said, “It’s unfortunate that man has caused much damage to its environment. The rate at which we use fossil fuels and burn coal is alarming and affecting the environment. There is pollution everywhere and these are the things that are heating the atmosphere.
“We need to think green and renewable energy to be able to cope this year and save the world from the ravaging greenhouse effect. We have to turn to nature and that is the only solution.”
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, recently called for global unity to make 2024 a year for “building trust and hope” following the immense suffering, violence, and climate chaos that characterised 2023.
He said that humanity was stronger when standing together, saying 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope if the world will come together as one.
He said, “Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together because there is strength in our togetherness.”
Reflecting on the pain and suffering afflicting humanity, he said, “Conflicts persist, claiming tens of thousands of civilian lives, many of them women and children. Millions have been driven from their homes, facing hunger and disease.
“At the same time, the planet is in peril marked by record-breaking temperatures and worsening impacts of climate change.
“2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos. It is the hottest year on record; people are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger; and wars are growing in number and ferocity.
“We must come together. Pointing fingers and guns lead us to nowhere. Humanity is strongest when we stand together. We must come together across divides for shared solutions; for climate action, for economic opportunity, and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all.”
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