Trillion tree movement around the world; our role as Citizens

Olatunde Dare
August 29, 2024
3
 minutes read

Trees can play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis. Trees reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and act as natural flood barriers in urban areas. On average, a single tree captures 0.62 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. This is why 1t.org  seeks to mobilize, connect, and empower the global reforestation community to save, restore, and grow one trillion trees by 2030.

 

The trillion-tree movement is an open, nature-based solution aimed at conserving and restoring ecosystems, agricultural lands, and coastal ecosystems to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Nationsare adopting Nature-based solutions worldwide to combat climate change. The Welsh government is an obvious example of one of these. As part of the country's effort to combat climate change, the country recently announced the distribution of 1.3 million trees to plants in every household. This project will cost the Welsh government £2 million as part of its goal of becomingcarbon-neutral by 2030.

 

The government estimates that it will need to plant 86 million trees by then to meet its climate target. In Sydney, tree giveaways are so common that saplings are running out. Free trees are distributed to schools and community groups across the United Kingdom to encourage everyone to participate in nature-based solutions.

Nigeria is vulnerable to environmental threats

 

Nigeria is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, as demonstrated in the recent floods in the south and drought in the north. The Port Harcourt soot is a visible environmental threat in Nigeria: an emergency waiting to happen.

Can we solve the soot problem in Port Harcourt by planting trees?

 

Certainly not.

To address port Harcourt soot, we must first reduce the numberof harmful substances released into the atmosphere across all sectors in the area by enforcing strict policies.

 

The country has been urged to join the trillion tree movement.

 

Even after committing to implement the launch of the Nigerian portion of the Great Green Wall, Nigeria must participate in the trillion tree movement, which aims to conserve, restore, and grow ecosystems.

Growing suitable trees in areas too degraded to recover on their own, such as the Port Harcourt soot, will demonstrate the government's desire to meet its climate targets and restore the area.

 

"Growing" rather than "planting" should be emphasized in accomplishing the trillion tree movement in Nigeria. Simply planting a seedling is insufficient; nurturing it to maturity and growing it in the appropriate conditions is critical to restoring the area and demonstrating a commitment to meeting its climate target.

How can citizens get involved in the trillion-tree movement?

 

No matter where they live or how old or young they are, everyone can join the movement and help restore the environment through:

 

 

●       Growing trees personally in homes and communities.

●       Volunteering and donating to organizations involved in restoration and sustainability.

●       Submitting your ideas, solutions, and perspectives to AdvoKC, 1t.org to help reach the Trillion treegoal.

●       Raising awareness of the importance of trees and forests in combating climate change-related risks.