In a historic and united show of solidarity for the Niger Delta a region that contributes to an average of 5.9 percent the real total GDP of Nigeria in oil exploration according to recent statistics had a sign of relieve as Puregreen Africa Initiative launched its 58,500 trees against climate change program for Niger Delta in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Following the presentation collaboration by Puregreen Africa Initiative official representative Mr. Omez M. Godspower to Dr. Alamene Azawei Head of Department Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island Amassoma Bayelsa State.
The program which will see Puregreen Africa Initiative plant at least 58,500 trees across cities in the Niger Delta region against climate change. Studies have revealed that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is only three meter above sea level and the coastline is dynamic in nature which renders hundreds of coastal communities exposed and vulnerable to climate change risk and hazards. The region is faced with seasonal flooding, increase in temperature, high precipitation, erosion, river Stalinization.
Studies and papers has shown related subjects of social, economic and environmental drivers of climate change in the Niger Delta and their recurring and predicted impacts. Inadequate enforcement of environmental laws, lack of data on climate change, insignificant or insufficient state fiscal budget on climate change (low climate change funding) lack of political will and low interest of political leadership, absence of state policies aimed to enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation, persistent cases of oil spills and gas flaring by multinational oil companies, low public awareness on adaptation and in adequate technical capacity.
The Niger Delta region suffers the most on environmental hazards / risk and most vulnerable to climate change. Puregreen Africa Initiative haven underscored all factors and drivers of climate change in the Niger Delta region kick stated its 58,500 trees against climate change in Niger Delta, on the 14th of April, 2021 in the Niger Delta University Amassoma Bayelsa State, states across the region will get at least an average of 8,550 trees each, in and around the cities and its metropolis, and also carry out public awareness program on adaptation and mitigation
Reports and studies have shown that 80 percent of the population are city dwellers and also carbon pollution in the cities are very high as a result of economic activities with no sufficient number of trees to absorb them. PGAI is an NGO that is passionate about mitigating the effects of climate change in Africa through remedial environmental action of planting trees as a tool or means in mitigating climate change in Africa.
Trees are natural carbon sink nature based solution to climate change and less in economic cost. Trees has huge potential for carbon drawdown, trees shades us from the intensity of the sun, trees moderates the rain, sun and wind. Trees makes our environment cleaner and healthier to live and a formidable force against climate change.