EDITORIAL COMMENT: Taking a stand against climate change

02 Dec, 2022 - 00:12 0 Views
EDITORIAL COMMENT: Taking a stand against climate change Every Zimbabwean is encouraged to plant a tree on the National Tree Planting Day and continue to do so throughout the year

The ManicaPost

 

EVERY year on the first Saturday of December since 1980, Zimbabwe commemorates National Tree Planting Day.

The day, which will this year be commemorated tomorrow (Saturday), is set aside to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, as well as enlighten the nation on the importance of trees.

Each year, Zimbabwe loses about 300 000 hectares to deforestation and the subsequent land degradation is a threat to many citizens whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

To reverse the impact of deforestation in Zimbabwe, the Forestry Commission has therefore set a target to plant at least 25 million trees this rainy season.

To turn this into reality, every Zimbabwean is encouraged to plant a tree on the National Tree Planting Day and continue to do so throughout the year.

The National Tree Planting Day is one of the most renowned days for environmental action.

 

The day is all about engaging corporates and citizens to focus their efforts on the pressing environmental issue.

This is why Zimbabwe’s largest integrated media house, Zimpapers, has embarked on a tree planting campaign as part of its corporate social responsibility.

 

The Manica Post is part of the Zimpapers Group.

But for those who might be wondering why there is so much talk about trees; the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the climate that makes our planet habitable all revolve around healthy forests.

Humans, animals and the environment depend upon trees for survival.

 

Therefore, as deforestation continues, we must put back what we are taking away.

By planting more trees, it will contribute to global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes.

However, while forests are all pretty and wonderful to look at, their importance stems far beyond beauty.

 

The value and purpose of trees is enormous; and their existence is vital for our survival.

Trees help to clean the air we breathe.

 

Through their leaves and bark, they absorb harmful pollutants and release clean oxygen for us to breathe.

 

In urban environments, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke.

 

They also help to combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Trees also reduce wind speeds and cool the air as they lose moisture and reflect heat upwards from their leaves.

 

It is estimated that trees can reduce the temperature in a city by up to 7°C.

They also play a key role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides by absorbing thousands of litres of storm water.

 

Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil.

This process prevents harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding.

 

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15 000 litres of water every year.

In addition, a single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insects, mammals, birds and plants.

 

Without trees, forest creatures would have nowhere to call home.

Food-producing trees also provide fruit, nuts, berries, and leaves for consumption by both humans and animals.

 

Others have roots, barks and leaves that have medicinal properties.

However, preserving trees is not only about promoting biodiversity.

 

The job opportunities provided by the forestry industry are endless.

 

From planting and tending to the trees, the value chain flows into timber processing, as well as paper and furniture manufacturing, among many other things.

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