The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, encouraged residents to embrace tree planting as part of efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and create a sustainable environment.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, made the call after a sensitisation walk to begin the 2024 World Environment Day celebration in Lagos.
Rotimi-Akodu noted that World Environment Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness and support progress on global commitments, which include protecting land and sea for nature and restoration of the planet.
Speaking on the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” Rotimi-Akodu emphasised the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring a safe and green economy for all.
He said, “We need to have a change in attitude to protect our environment because it is our land and our future.
“We have to embrace the earth, not minding that we sometimes have natural disasters but with proper planning and programmes like the World Environment Day, we can always be ready for any form of disaster, be it natural or man-made.”
He added that tree planting is essential as a means of combating climate change challenges such as desertification, drought, and erosion amongst others.
According to him, Lagosians must applaud the achievement of the State Government in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous Trees project towards curbing climate change challenges.
In January 2023, as a result of the increasing threat from human activities and natural disasters which is evident with the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria, experts recommended more tree planting across the country as a way of checkmating the menace. https:///climate-change-experts-recommend-more-tree-planting/
The experts spoke at the inauguration of the Sterling One Foundation Agroforestry for Climate Action Project at the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja.