Group seeks sustained pathway against environmental degradation

An environmental group, the African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) has called for a sustainable path forward against environmental threats like erosion, flooding and gas flaring.

The group made the call in Port Harcourt, River State as part of a significant move to combat the escalating climate crisis.

The workshop, which held at the Federal Government College, Rumuokoro, had its theme; ‘Building community resilience through climate education and tree planting’, brought together environmental activists, government agencies and community members.

Country Mentor for the ACRP in Nigeria, Mr. Smith Nwaokocha, in his opening remarks, highlighted the workshop’s dual mission.

He stated that the event was designed to create robust adaptation measures to tackle pressing environmental challenges across Nigeria and West Africa.

“This climate change adaptation workshop and tree planting is aimed at creating adaptation measures to tackle erosion, flooding, gas flaring and to curb the effect of climate change,” Nwaokocha said.

He, however, announced the launch of a tree planting exercise focused on planting 50 to 100 trees within the school premises, embedding the workshop’s theme directly into the local environment.

A resource person at the event, Dr. Mercy Bello Abu, in her presentation titled ‘Nature based solutions for adaptation: A path to resilience rooted in nature’, detailed the multifaceted benefits of planting trees, describing it as a foundational natural solution.

Trees help to improve air quality, biodiversity, food security and livelihood of the people, explained that tree roots act as a natural barrier against soil erosion and landslides, while their foliage absorbs harmful carbon monoxide, reducing the negative effects of greenhouse gases.

She further noted that trees play a critical role in reducing ambient heat and improving water infiltration into the soil.

Abu also highlighted the broader benefits of ecosystem restoration, including disaster risk reduction, the recreation of habitats for diverse flora and fauna, and the sustenance of livelihoods through activities like fishing and farming.

She identified Nature-Based Solutions as powerful and cost-effective approaches to climate adaptation.

An environmental impact activist, Dr. Chizor Wisdom Dike, provided a stark analysis of the problem while speaking on; ‘Understanding climate change and local impact.’

He connected global phenomena to local realities, identifying industrial activities, heat production, burning of fossil fuels, transportation and coal production as primary drivers of climate change.

Echoing the sentiment, the Rivers State Commandant for the Peace Corps, Dr. Michael Obiora commended the organisers for the insightful event, emphasising that protecting and caring for the environment is a collective duty.

 He described the workshop as both a privilege for learning and a urgent call to action for everyone present.