Experts in the environmental sector have emphasized the need for widespread tree planting and the restoration of forest habitats across the country to mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures which has been exacerbated by climate change.
In a recent interview with EnviroNews on Friday, 28th March 2025, Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), stressed the importance of these actions in addressing climate challenges.
He highlighted that the current heatwave has caused streams and rivers to dry up, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation, water management, and ecosystem restoration.
David pointed out that heatwaves intensify droughts and bring severe socio-economic and environmental consequences.
These extreme temperatures not only disrupt human and animal health but also contribute to the spread of diseases and widespread water scarcity. Which, in turn, fuels conflicts, displaces communities, and drives migration.
He emphasized, “The urgency to protect our water resources for future generations cannot be overstated,” calling for comprehensive strategies to tackle these pressing issues.
Lawan Aliyu, the state coordinator at the National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Yobe State, shared firsthand accounts of how farmers are suffering economic losses of up to 50 percent due to the extreme heat.
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Experts at Climate Action Africa have also echoed these concerns, stating in a recent tweet that heatwaves are now a nationwide issue.
The organization has urged tree planting as an immediate and sustainable solution to combat the heat.
They also stress the importance of preserving green spaces and reducing deforestation as key steps in addressing the climate crisis.
While Nigeria is facing the brunt of the heatwave, other countries, including Morocco, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, and India, are also grappling with similar challenges.
Experts across the globe agree that safeguarding natural resources, particularly water, and taking decisive action to restore ecosystems are crucial in mitigating the broader impacts of climate change.
In response to these challenges, efforts are already underway to encourage tree planting initiatives. For example, the Agroforestry Component of the AGRA Kaduna Consortium Project aims to plant 200,000 trees across 375 hectares in six local government areas of Kaduna State, signaling a concrete commitment to environmental action.
Additionally, Tokumbo Wahab, the Honorable Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, reiterated the state’s commitment to lowering extreme temperatures through a tree planting initiative. The project has already begun with the planting of 157 trees at Dolphin Hotel in Lagos.
Global temperatures are on the rise, with recent reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealing that 2024 was the hottest year in 175 years. This alarming trend serves as a call to action for nations to utilize tree planting—widely regarded as one of the most effective measures for reducing global temperatures.
