People of now do neglect positive attitudes on conserving the environment for healthy and comfortable habitation. The conservation of the environment is seriously needed as almost half of Northern Nigeria faces so many environmental challenges because of its closeness to the Sahara and other climatic factors.
One of such attitudes that needs to be embraced and given utmost attention in our houses, public buildings, places of worship, markets, hospitals to mention but a few is tree planting due to its enorrmous benefits.
To educate the public on the importance of tree planting, in one of his scholarly writings, an environmentalist and a director, planning and monitoring in Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Garba Saleh Ahmed, identified some fundamental and important reasons for planting and nursing of trees in our environmeny.
He opened the writing by quoting the UNEP, United Nations Environmental Programme, on the loss of trees globally. He said,” The world has lost about 80% of its original forests in the last 50 decades”
The write up highlighted 21 importance of tree planting which include:
One, trees absorb carbon dioxide which is a major greenhouse gas, this allows trees to remove and store the carbon while releasing the oxygen back to the air as global warming resulting from the excess of greenhouse gases created by burning fossil fuels and destroy tropical rainforests. Also, heat from the sun reflects back from the earth, is trapped in thickening layer of gases, causing temperature to rise.
Two, trees absorb odours and pollutant gases comprising nitrogen oxides, ammonia, Sulphur Oxides, Ozones and filter particulars out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark thus improving air quality for its safer consumption.
Three, as quoted by Dr. Garba Saleh, the U.S Department of Agriculture stated, “one acre of forest absorbs six tons of oxygen, which is enough to meet the annual need of 18 people.” From the statement, one can comprehend that trees contribute to environment through provision of oxygen.
Four, trees control climate change by moderating the effects of the sun, rain, and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun’s radiant energy keeping things cool in summer. They also preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind and also shielded human beings from rainfall fall, sleet and hail.
Five, three trees placed strategically around a single family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50% percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling houses, carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants was reduced.
Six, shades from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture, absorb and store rain water which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground water supply recharge. Fallen leaves makes excellent compost that enriches soil.
Seven, trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk into the earth below the tree. This preventsf the transport of chemicals and other pollutants into water bodies and also prevent flooding. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge ground water supplies.
Eight, trees are essential to the eco-system in which they reside in the prevention of soil erosion. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.
Nine, trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50%, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds where children spend hours outdoors, hence trees shield children from ultra-violet rays.
Ten, trees provide food. It is a known fact that mangoes, apples, oranges, and countless of other fruits and nuts provided by the trees. An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruits per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. A part from fruits for human, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.
Eleven, trees heal and provide medicines. Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out of their windows heal faster and with less complications. It was established that exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Also, bark of some trees can be made into cork and is a source of chemicals and medicines.
Twelve, trees reduce violence. Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have been shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of their home than their greener counterparts. Tress and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.
Thirteen, fruits harvested from cfommunity orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and it’s water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to developing economic opportunities from trees.
Fourteen, trees whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, have provided the space for human retreat throughout ages. It is established that many people react to react the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. Infact, many people plant trees as living memories of life -changing events.
Fifteen, trees bring diverse groups of people together. It serve an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting campaign or tree care event. T
These bonds are evidenced by the hundreds îof groups and organizations across the country/ the world that go to treat lengths to protect, and save particularly large or historic trees from the dangers of modern development.
Sixteen, trees add unity as they are important part of every Community. If streets, parks, playgrounds, and backyards are lined with trees, they create a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment.
As landmarks, trees can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride. People gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor activities with family and friends at leisure or other purposes.
Seventeen, trees provide canopy and habitat for wildlife. Many animals, including elephants, Koalas and giraffes eat leaves for nourishment. Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and nectar is a favorite of birds and many insects. Animals too eat much of the same fruits human being do enjoy.
The process helps disperse seeds over great distances and of course hundreds of living creatures call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep many animals such as birds and squirrels out of the reach of predators.
Eighteen, trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust, wind, and reduce glare.
Nineteen, trees provide wood. Trees supported and sustained life throughout human existence. They have a wide variety of practical and commercial purposes. Wood was the first, and is still used for cooking and heating by about half of the world’s population.
In the same vein, trees provide timber for building construction, furniture manufacture, tools, sporting equipment, and thousands household items. Wood -pulp is used to make paper and I suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel craft wood.
Twenty, studies show that the more trees and landscaping and business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic enough to allow drivers to look at store fronts instead of whizzing by.
Last, but not the least, trees increase property value. Individual trees and shrubs have value and contribute to savings, but it is the collective influence of a well- maintained landscape that makes a real economic impact and has the greatest effect on property value at any location of a particular city.
Moreover, direct economic benefits come from savings in energy costs. Cooling costs are reduced in a tree-shaded home, and heating costs lowered when a tree serves as a windbreak.
In conclusion, based on the imperative of tree planting stated above on health, food, medicine, shelter and overall well-being of our environment, it is of eminence to embark on such a noble gesture. The earlier we start planting trees, the better our environment will be.
Sani Surajo Abubakar,
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
