WED: Institute advocates tree planting culture to mitigate climate change effects

WED: Institute advocates tree planting culture to mitigate climate change effects

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Benin, June 7,2024(NAN) The Institute of Environment Practitioners of Nigeria(IEPN) has urged all to engage in building projects, such as tree planting, to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, made the call at an event it organized to commemorate 2024 World Environment Day on Friday in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the event was organized in partnership with Benin City Window on America(BCWOA) with the theme: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.

Ezemonye said that the United Nations (UN) had warned that over 40 percent of planet land had been degraded and had affected half of the world’s population.

He noted that the theme of the event was to remind stakeholders on the need to collectively heal the planet.

“Since WED was celebrated in 1973, the anniversary has become a platform to raise awareness about critical environmental issues and proffer lasting and sustainable solutions, ” he said.

Ezemonye, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin added that 2024 WED came at a critical time when the world had triple planetary crisis such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

According to him, by focusing on land restoration, we can mitigate these crises, enhance carbon storage, protect species from extinction and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

“According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),restoring degraded land can significantly improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilience to extreme weather.

” Every dollar invested in restoration can make up to$30 in ecosystem services, making it a vital strategy for sustainable development,” he said.

A Director in BCWOA, Dr Georgina Erifetal urged participants to take responsibility for the survival of their immediate environment to bring positive effects to the global habitat.

The event also hosted stakeholders, who participated virtually across the globe, to proffer lasting solutions to issues affecting the planet. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NY/JI

Edited by Joe Idika