In Nigeria, Bishops to Plant 5,5 Million Trees to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change

To fight against desertification, 50 dioceses will plant at least 20 trees each year to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Supported by Caritas Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria will plant 5,5 million trees in the next 5 years. This initiative entitled "Green Revolution Campaign" has just been announced by Mgr Lucius Ugorji, Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerriha.

To fight against desertification, 50 dioceses will plant at least 20 trees each year, in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - More than 5 million trees planted in 5 years: the project to combat desertification promoted by the Nigerian bishops https://t.co/8nYMUbJuk5 pic.twitter.com/GjeeVSGF1O

- Agenzia Fides (@AgenceFides) March 14, 2023

Bishop Ugorji lamented the manifestations of climate change in Nigeria, excessive rainfall, sea level rise, floods, severe droughts, desertification, loss of biodiversity. He also denounces the conflicts that arise from the sharp reduction of agricultural land and pasture.

The Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, which depends on the Ministry of the Environment, congratulated the Episcopal Conference for this initiative. According to him, it could help more than 40 million people whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change.

MC

Image credit: Shutterstock/ Nataly Reinch