PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched monsoon tree plantation campaign in Islamabad on Wednesday with a directive to plant over one hundred million trees across the country this year. This initiative is particularly significant for a country like us which is acutely vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
Tree plantation is a vital strategy in addressing environmental challenges such as air pollution and climate change. Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality. They also play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, thus mitigating the effects of global warming. For a country like Pakistan, which has experienced devastating climate events, including the severe floods of 2022, the significance of large-scale tree plantation cannot be overstated. However, despite the annual launch of massive plantation campaigns, the tangible impact on the ground remains limited. This discrepancy often arises because saplings are planted but not adequately cared for, leading to high mortality rates among young trees. It is imperative that the responsibility of nurturing these saplings extends beyond civic authorities to include all segments of society. Ensuring that each planted sapling grows into a mature tree requires a collective effort and sustained commitment. Involving educational institutions in tree plantation campaigns can be a game-changer. Assigning students the task of caring for the plants they have planted can instill a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness from a young age. Schools and universities can integrate tree care into their curricula, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth. Equally important is the protection of existing forests. Deforestation not only exacerbates climate change but also destroys biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. Strict measures must be implemented to prevent illegal logging and to ensure that our forests are preserved for future generations. The future of our youths depends on the actions we take today to protect and restore our natural environment.
