Plants are living organisms that grow on land or in water and have the capability of making their food through photosynthesis. Like every other thing that nature gives us, plants are very important to human existence. We need plants to live because not only do they provide us with food, but we also literally need them for the supply of the oxygen contained in the air we breathe.
The earth is unique among other planets in its ability to support life. This is largely due to the existence of plants, which have characteristics beneficial for the survival of other living creatures. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen from their leaves, which humans and other animals need to survive. They also provide habitat, serve as a primary food source, and regulate the water cycle.
However, the importance of plants to human beings and the planet cannot be over-emphasized because they provide man with a habitat for humans and animals. Many species of birds live on trees and shrubs either in crevices or in their nest built on tree branches.
Trees serve as shelter for animals against predators, and that is why habitat loss is considered one of the reasons for species endangerment and extinction. Because of that, we must protect our trees if not for anything else.
METRO FOCUS observed that within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis that used to be decorated with all kinds of flowers, trees in the past are no more today. Most of the trees and flowers are cut down and have not been replaced with younger trees.
Over the years, successive governments tried to plant more trees and flowers within the city centre and environs in other to maintain the beauty of the state, being the “Home of Peace and Tourism”, but that dream could not see the light of the day due to citizens nonchalant attitude towards the importance of plants, let alone to maintain them within their environment.
Every day new buildings are constructed within Jos city and its environs. Unfortunately, the culture of citizens planting trees is dying. Our ecosystem bears the brunt of our neglect and activities that destroy the ecosystem. These include cutting down plants without replacing them with new ones, burning of bush and or killing plants with chemicals.
METRO FOCUS reports that Jos Tin city which was known for its abundance of trees which used to serve as shade and give the environment a cool temperature, now lies open and hot. The land is no longer green as it used to be. Trees used to line both sides of the roads in most streets in the heart of Jos. In those days, strolling back home from school was a joy because the streets were cool and beautiful.
It will interest you to know that every year, March 21st is marked as World Planting Day. This day is dedicated to planting whatever you possibly can, from trees, and flowers to vegetables and also spreading awareness of the importance of plants to man and the environment.
In addition, plants and trees provide food for all terrestrial organisms, supply oxygen, control soil erosion, and are used to make medicines among many other precious things that plants offer.
On this note, METRO FOCUS went around the city centre to interview citizens about the importance of plants and observed that many citizens don’t know much about planting trees, rather they are more concerned about vegetables which are source for food for them.
The government needs to take drastic steps to sensitize the populace about the need to plant trees in our environment. Recently, global climate warming has taken a negative impact on the ecosystem, causing havoc on humanity and its environment.
In the fight against climate change, trees are a vital tool, as they can capture carbon from the atmosphere and store it for generations. Researchers have found that the biophysical properties of trees can increase the cooling effect of forests by almost 0.5°C.
As a way to proffer a solution to global warming, “tree restoration can be a powerful tool for drawing carbon from the atmosphere,” according to ecologists.
Furthermore, cutting trees can result in the loss of habitat for animal species, which can harm ecosystems. According to National Geographic, “70 percent of earth’s land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes.”
What is observed today globally is that most of the space within our environment are occupied by buildings more than plants which would serve as our remedy to the global climate change.
To this end, Trees are important part of every community. Our streets, parks, playgrounds and backyards are to be lined with trees that create a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment.
Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings. We gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor activities with family and friends. Many neighborhoods are also the home of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a great source of town pride.
Therefore, using trees in cities to deflect the sunlight reduces the heat of the day by the effect caused by pavement and commercial buildings.
We can save our planet by planting a tree today. Make it a life style.
