A group, the Journalists for Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI), has called on citizens to adopt tree planting as a practical measure to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Executive Director of the group, Dr. Parry Benson, made the call while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a symposium held to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni, and the Centre for Climate Change and Forest Resources of Rivers State University.
Dr. Benson noted that the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, stressing the need for collective and sustained action.
“Everyone should learn to plant trees. It is an exercise that should be carried out regularly because we are all experiencing the impact of climate change. It has come to stay,” he said.
He expressed concern over changing weather patterns, particularly in Rivers State, where seasonal cycles have become less predictable.
“People are complaining about excessive heat. From January until now, it is difficult to distinguish between the rainy and dry seasons as we used to. This is a clear effect of climate change,” he added.
Benson specifically appealed to residents of Rivers State and the South-South region, who are heavily affected by air pollution due to oil exploration activities, to plant trees within their communities.
According to him, increased tree planting will help improve air quality and create a healthier environment.
“We are appealing to everyone in the South-South to plant a tree regularly. Trees help to purify the air and make our environment healthier,” he said.
The climate advocate further urged residents to take responsibility for their surroundings, emphasizing that environmental issues affect everyone.
“This is not the time for indifference. We must all be aware of what is happening in our environment and take action. Climate change affects all of us,” he stated.
