Residents of Kwara State have been charged to imbibe the habit of tree planting to protect the environment against the danger of climate change.

This was the thrust of the message during the World Environment Day organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the state with the theme: "Raise your Voice, not the Sea Level."

The programme, attended by stakeholders, also had in attendance the Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Abubakar Mora, who flagged off the tree planting exercise.

Acting State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Martins Enenwaene warned against indiscriminate bush burning, blocking of drainages, cutting trees for firewood, among other activities that trigger rise in sea level.

He said: "We do not say you should not cut tree but if you have to cut, you have to plant. Cut down the old ones that the foliages are going down. Some people also because of a rodent or rat burn down a 10 square hectares of land and all the trees that help to fight global warming and climate change are burnt down.

"Virtually, the entire scientific community agrees that global warming is real, that it is taking place right now, and that it is caused by anthropogenic activities, especially the constantly increasing use of fossil fuels and increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.

According to him, the rise in sea level could lead to flood, urging people to plant trees to save the coming generations.

"I want to create everyone's indulgence that please and please, you and I are enjoying today, plant a tree to be able to allow others to enjoy tomorrow.

"What we witnessed today will actually go a long way to help our environment.

Environmental issues are issues that need to be tackled by everybody. It shouldn't be left with the government alone, neither should it be left with the government agencies alone," he added.