Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Dr Elizabeth Augustus, has advocated the use of green solutions to combat environmental pollution

She stated this while speaking as a keynote speaker on “Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change” at the 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta where she called for urgent actions to avert the dire consequences of environmental pollution.

Dr Augustus noted that the multifaceted impact of environmental pollution are detrimental to aquatic life, agricultural produce, wildlife and human health.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory issues, and heightened hospitalisation rates were identified as major concerns linked to pollution,” she said.

Highlighting the pivotal role of plants in the global carbon cycle and their potential for climate change mitigation, Dr Augustus proposed a strategic approach to environmental control, focusing on greenery and beautification as crucial interventions.

She noted that phytoremediation, a plant-based method, extracts and removes pollutants from the soil.

“This innovative approach involves plants absorbing ionic compounds and extending their root systems to accumulate heavy metals, effectively reclaiming polluted soil and stabilizing fertility,” she explained.

Meanwhile, President of NILH, Kola Quadri, has urged the National Assembly to pass a law that mandates homeowners to plant at least one tree within their premises to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

Quadri argued that implementing this law will help curb deforestation, improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance biodiversity.

He added: “It should start from the local government, then the state should take it up. Let the state assembly first pass the law. Our institute will visit the state assembly on this. It is part of our programme and we are currently in partnership with the state.”

Also speaking at the event, state chairman of the institute, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, noted that the essence of the programme is to call the attention of policy makers to the effects of climate change and proffer measures to mitigate it.

He said: “We will work with the government at all levels to ensure that global warming is seriously mitigated so that we can preserve our environment for ourselves and the coming generation.

“We don’t just want to keep talking, we are moving to mitigate the effects of climate change. We are drawing the attention of policy makers to the importance of global warming.”