NAN-AE-16
Tree
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, March 2, 2017, (NAN) The Society for the Promotion of People`s Rights, an NGO, has warned Nigerians against indiscriminate felling which affects production of timber and firewood.
President of the society Mr William Ozase gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He said tree felling could further worsen the prevalent environmental challenges in the country.
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“Trees are very important to the ecosystem, as they absorb the harmful carbon dioxide and release the life-sustaining oxygen into the atmosphere; thus acting as natural friends of humans, this we must put into cognisance.
“Besides, trees absorb water in large quantities during heavy rains, due to large-scale deforestation, but there are few trees these days to absorb and retain water.
“I must also tell you that this ugly attitude has led to heavy floods, causing heavy losses of life and property.
“Trees are necessary for rainfall; it creates cold and humid atmosphere required for rain. Whenever it rains, trees hold the water and somewhat prevent floods.
“Uncontrolled tree felling will also create an unstable atmosphere, which could lead to the gradual destruction of the earth.
“ When we cut down trees, we are taking a home away from animals.”
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According to Osaze, another importance of trees in an environment is the provision of food for humans and animals; and that the indiscriminate felling of the trees can affect rainfall patterns which could lead to shortage of food.
He also noted that trees provided shade and without the shade, the ground usually dried up faster, thereby depleting the soil’s nutrients.
The President described deforestation as a negative environmental phenomenon noting that trees mitigate the effects of climate change in an environment.
He said that sustained deforestation could reinforce existing environmental problems such as global warming.
Osaze added that removal of trees without practical reforestation plans had resulted in damage to habitats, biodiversity loss and aridity in an environment.
According to him, trees also help perpetuate the water cycle by returning water vapor back into the atmosphere.
“Without trees to fill these roles, many former forestlands can quickly become barren deserts.
He also explained that removing trees deprived the forest from its portions of canopy, which blocks the sun’s rays during the day and holds in heat at night.
Osaze noted that trees play a critical role in absorbing greenhouse gases that fuel global warming; as fewer forests meant larger amounts of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere and increases the speed and severity of global warming.
He therefore advised the Federal Government to begin the enforcement of laws against the practice as it would give relevant agencies power to discipline individuals who cut down trees indiscriminately. (NAN)
VOE/DOR/YEE
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Emmanuel Yashim
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