To mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters like floods in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a non-governmental organisation, Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative has advocated for stakeholders to support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability by cultivating the habits of planting trees.
The organisation, while stressing the importance of preserving the planet, also enjoined residents to always take action in their lives to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future for themselves and for generations to come.
The founder and president of Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative, Brenda Max-Nduaguibe, made this call on Tuesday at its 2023 tree-planting campaign
and inauguration of PurpleHands Environmental Care Club (PHECC) at Government Junior Secondary School (GJSS), Idu-koro, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Brenda explained that the exercise sponsored by the Green Belt Movement of Nigeria, was in commemoration of the 2023 World Environmental Day, aimed at making a positive impact on the environment and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the planet.
She noted that PHECC is a mentorship platform of the NGO aimed at producing a generation that treats the planet with care and is environmentally conscious and aware of biodiversity.
“In June to commemorate World Environment Day, we perform a simple yet effective way to combat climate change and preserve our natural resources.
“Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. They also provide valuable habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and improve air and water quality.
“By planting trees today, we are not only helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, but we are also leaving a legacy for future generations. It is important that we continue to work together to protect our planet, to promote sustainability, and to make a positive impact in our communities,” she said.
Also, the programme assistant of the Green Bond Secretariat, Department of Climate Change in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Bem Aunbur, said NGO’s initiatives were in line with the federal government’s resolve towards improving the planet.
She, therefore called on stakeholders to emulate PurpleHands, to attain the desired goals of securing the environment.