Krugersdorpers urged to remember the importance of planting trees
The community is urged to protect its trees and help grow Earth's forests.
The African climate is rapidly changing and will continue to do so unless we reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Arbour Week, observed in the first week of September, advocates an awareness of the crucial role trees, grass, algae, mangroves, and other plant-like organisms play in the environment. Arbour Week is a call to protect the natural heritage of forests and marine plant-life throughout the year.
Trees and plants can no longer be taken for granted, and it is important to recognise their contribution to sustaining life on Earth.
African Climate Reality Project Branch Manager, Gill Hamilton, said that people are encouraged to plant trees during Arbour Week.
“Let us also conserve our trees which act as carbon sinks and absorb the toxic greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure they continue to do so we need to protect and manage them. While deforestation has slowed down, it is not insignificant,” explained Hamilton.
The world cannot survive without trees as they are the primary source of oxygen. About 30 per cent of the Earth is covered by forests, but this is a small proportion compared to the seven billion, and growing, humans crowding the Earth. When entire forests are levelled, there are no trees left to absorb the groundwater, which leads to a drier local climate – this in turn disrupts the entire evaporation and water cycle of an area.
A local resident, Siyabonga Maphumulo, said he would like plant trees, not only this week but throughout the year, if it was possible.
“I am a tenant, and I have no idea how long I will be staying at this residence, and I do not know if my landlord would allow me to plant a tree in his house,” said Siyabonga.
But Pretty Langa said she will be planting a small tree during the weekend. “I forget the importance of planting trees, maybe because we are blessed with trees here in Krugersdorp. Instead, I plant flowers,” she said.
“Aesthetics aside, trees offer many benefits to our health and environment. They clean our air and water, maintain habitats and by cooling the soil, decreasing energy needs. Arbour Week is an occasion to focus on our carbon sinks and look for alternatives to carbon emitters,” concluded Hamilton.
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