GEORGE TOWN – Almost half a million new tree saplings have been planted by the two city councils in Penang, as the state moves to increase its number of trees to weather climate change.
With a soaring heatwave lingering over the state – which would likely last into the New Year – Penang local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo urged residents here to go green to fight climate change.
The trees can absorb excess rainwater, while offering shade from the heatwave, Jagdeep said after handing over 100 sets of hydroponic plants for York Road residents.
By 2030, Penang hopes to have 100 million trees grown – and to achieve it, the initial target was to allow the growth of up to 10 million tree saplings annually.
“But to achieve this, we need help from the federal government.”
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and generate oxygen to help the planet as well.
From 2018 till last month, the Penang Island City Council grew 97,981 trees, while its counterpart – the Seberang Prai City Council – planted 61,779 trees.
Overall, Penang now has 470,050 trees, Jagdeep noted.
“The number does not include (tree-planting) initiatives by the private sector and civil societies here,” he said.
While Penang sweats under the heatwave, the central, southern, and eastern regions are bracing for the possibility of more floods.
Jagdeep urged Penangites to embrace community gardening as it helps in the greenery campaign of the state.
“We should use any open spaces to grow vegetable plots and cultivate small trees. We also want housing estates and high-rise living communities to come together to grow vegetables as part of our campaign.” – The Vibes, December 29, 2021
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