Greening must be a priority, not a choice

The world today is experiencing the dire consequences of climate change. Each passing year brings record-breaking temperatures, making life increasingly unbearable in cities, villages, fields, and along rivers. This crisis is largely a result of human short-sightedness-- unchecked deforestation, rampant waste of natural resources, and unbalanced urban expansion.

One of the most effective and sustainable solutions to combat this environmental emergency is greening. A single mature tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually and lower the surrounding temperature by 2-5 degrees Celsius. Beyond environmental protection, trees play a crucial role in safeguarding human health. They help prevent heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration, filter air pollutants, and provide cleaner air for breathing.

In Bangladesh, urban temperatures have soared past 40 degrees Celsius, disproportionately affecting low-income communities, including daily wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, and farmers. Planting trees along roadsides, within school and college campuses, and even on rooftops could significantly mitigate this heat and improve living conditions.

The time to act is now. Greening must be prioritised at individual, community, and national levels. We urge the government to integrate environmental considerations into urban planning and to enforce environmental regulations more strictly. At the same time, public awareness must be raised, because nature is not just a resource we exploit, but our only refuge for survival.

Maliha Mehnaj

Student, Institute of Education and Research

Jagannath University

malihamehnaj394@gmail.com