The Director of African Climate Reporters (ACR) and Climatologist, Mr. Nurudden Bello has called on residents of northern Nigeria to embrace tree planting as a vital tool for fighting environmental issues such as windstorms, deforestation, desertification, and erosion.
Mr. Bello disclosed this while answering questions from journalists in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, stressed the need for individuals and communities to plant trees around homes, schools, markets, hospitals, and places of worship.
He explained that planting trees can significantly reduce the impact of wind and water erosion, which have devastated several communities, especially in Southern Kaduna.
“Trees help protect the environment by acting as natural barriers against strong winds and preventing soil erosion,” Mr. Bello said, adding that the roots of trees hold the soil together, particularly in areas with weak or loose soil types.
He emphasised that tree planting is low-cost and offers long-term benefits, including shade, food, and environmental stability.
Mr. Bello also urged government agencies and environmental stakeholders to support renewable energy alternatives, such as fuel-efficient cooking stoves, by making them more affordable for women in both rural and urban areas.
According to Mr. Bello, the widespread use of firewood, charcoal, and timber is endangering forest resources in the region.
“Trees are more than just part of our landscape—they’re a natural defence against many environmental threats,” he concluded.
