As we approach World Environment Day (WED), One Million Tree Initiative has partnered with LG Electronics, CE Power Solutions, GSR 360, and SMP Media Group to plant trees in Lagos. WED, established by the United Nations Environment Programme, is held annually on June 5th to raise awareness about global ecosystem threats.
This year’s theme, “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience,” focuses on the protection and revival of ecosystems worldwide. It also marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Experts recommend planting trees as an effective way to combat climate change issues like desertification and erosion. Trees provide numerous benefits, including air filtration, food production, and habitat creation for various species. They also act as windbreaks and help regulate temperatures.
To contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable environment, One Million Tree Initiative, LG Electronics, CE Power Solutions, GSR 360, and SMP Media Group are collaborating on a tree planting drive at Omole Housing Estate, Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Speaking on the exercise, Josfyn Uba, Co-founder, of the One Million Tree Initiative, emphasised that the tree-planting effort aims to spark discussions about environmental and climate science while also promoting action.
She said, “We cannot sit and fold our hands while we watch our planet ebb away. We must take action, fight the scourge and build a sustainable world for everyone. That is why we passionately seek to preserve the ecosystem by planting trees in various communities and schools.
“This is not the first large-scale tree planting project we are executing. We have carried out several tree-planting projects in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1. Last year, we planted 100 coconut trees in partnership with the Club, under the aegis of Rotary International”.
“We desire to lay a solid foundation for enhanced adaptation and mitigation capacity to combat climate change. In the next ten years of this project, we are projecting that people will learn, connect, conserve, plant and care for trees in our communities,” she added
Uba also expressed delight at their partners – LG Electronics, CE Power Solutions, GSR 360 and SMP Media Group for keying into the vision and ideals of impacting positively on humanity. “We desire to save our planet through our collective effort. Together, we can achieve our common goal while looking forward to worthwhile ventures,” she said.
In addition, the Managing Director of LG Electronics Mr. H S Ji, said it is only in a clean and safe environment that we can achieve meaningful growth and development in the country. This is what has prompted us as an organisation to embark on this tree planting exercise in order to address the issue of environmental degradation in the society to mark the world environment day. This is the reason why we continuously design products that would meet world standard thereby helping our teeming consumers experience cleaner and greener lifestyle. Let me reiterate that people all over the world need to engage more in activities that will help safeguard the environment and the inhabitants.
Lady Cheta Nwabuike, Executive Director – Legal, ESG, HR & Admin, in CE Power Solutions, and sponsor of the tree-planting program also stated that their organisation recognised the urgent need to address the profound challenges posed by climate change, land degradation, and the increasing frequency of droughts. “It is crucial to recognize the pressing need for action against climate change and the vital role of tree planting in addressing these global challenges.
“We reaffirm our commitment to fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the resilience of our ecosystems. Climate change, driven by human activities and the release of greenhouse gasses, is a pressing issue that threatens the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme weather events are just a few of the consequences we face. These changes lead to land degradation, desertification, and increased vulnerability to droughts, putting our future at risk,” she said.
Mrs Nwabuike described trees as nature’s silent heroes, that offer a powerful solution to combat climate change and restore our lands.
“Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making them natural carbon sinks. By planting trees and restoring forests, we can sequester carbon, mitigate the effects of climate change, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
“Moreover, trees play a vital role in preventing soil erosion, regulating water cycles, and fostering biodiversity. They maintain soil fertility and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems. By restoring degraded lands and planting trees, we can enhance drought resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of our land.”
She also called for more collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, organisations and nations to ensure environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. “On this World Environment Day, let us pledge to plant trees, restore degraded lands, and build resilience against desertification and drought.
“Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient world for generations to come, a future where ‘Our Land Our Future’ thrives, and humanity coexists in harmony with nature. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. Join us in planting the seeds of hope, for a greener, more resilient planet,” she advocated.
For Mr David Adesanya of GSR 360, partnering in the tree planting drive is worth move when considering the enormity of the economic destruction and unprecedented deaths from floods, wildfires and severe drought due to climate change.
“There are enough proof that Climate Change is real,” he said. “The impacts and risks are becoming increasingly complex and more difficult to manage. We have to vastly increase our efforts because the world obviously is sitting on a time bomb. It is imperative, therefore, that the world must transform its energy, industry, transport, food, agriculture and forestry systems to ensure that we can limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees, maybe even 1.5. We also need to anticipate, adapt and become resilient to the current and future impacts of climate change. All hands must be on deck to save the earth”.
Also, the duo of Ugo Ogoke, and Emeka Ikade, both of SMP Media Group, affirmed that the event is to further highlight the need for organisations to adopt Carbon Neutral policy and postures. “This means that even when some emissions are generated, it should be offset somewhere else with things like tree-planting to make overall emissions zero. The strain on the climate is eliminated by shrinking or compensating for global greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide. So it is carbon neutral, or nothing.”
