Best thing we can do this summer is plant a tree
KARACHI: In this era of technology, we have completely forgotten the connection between us and the land we inhabit. While trees provide us with food and scenic beauty, they hold other benefits as well. They keep the ecosystem intact, as birds and bees drink pollen from their flowers, and build their habitats in them. A decline in the number of trees is the root cause of problems like a deteriorating ecosystem, pollution, floods, and the abnormal rise in temperature in Pakistan. Many areas in Sindh and Balochistan are particularly impacted by an increase in heatwaves, along with declining rainfall. The massive increase in pollution and population has increased the need for more trees in our surroundings.
The canopies of trees work as a filter, trapping dust and absorbing toxins from the atmosphere. Trees also provide shelter from ultraviolet rays. According to a research, being surrounded by greenery reduces your blood pressure; and slows down your heart rate and stress levels. As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, hence decreasing the impact of greenhouse gases. It is estimated that one tree can reduce the temperature of a city up to 7°C. Trees also help prevent flooding and soil erosion, as their roots hold the soil in place.
Moreover, we are losing out on animal populations that are very important to maintain a healthy and balanced environment. As trees benefit us in different ways, it is our responsibility to protect them and respect them. Planting a tree is a cheap investment which results in a massive return. The best thing we can do this summer is that after enjoying any fruit, we plant its seeds, instead of throwing it away. All religions emphasise the importance of planting trees and see it as a continuous charity.
Sundaleen Rafi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2019.
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