Severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts on Thursday, July 25, effective until 4:30 p.m.

Affected areas in Rhode Island include Warwick, East Providence, Portsmouth, Barrington, Bristol, Warren, and Tiverton. In Massachusetts, the warning covers Middleborough, Dartmouth, Wareham, Somerset, Swansea, Raynham, and Rehoboth.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is capable of producing damaging winds of up to 60 mph and nickel-sized hail. Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter immediately and remain indoors until the threat has passed.

Read Also: Extreme heat warning issued for Lawrence, Douglas County as storms loom

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm with the potential to cause serious damage is either occurring or imminent. It signals the need for immediate action, as such storms can produce strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hail.

In addition to the localized warning, a broader severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the rest of Rhode Island, as well as parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, until 9 p.m. Thursday.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor local weather updates, stay indoors during storm activity, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Heat dome grips U.S., puts 97 million under life-threatening alerts

A massive heat dome is expanding across the central and eastern United States this week, placing over 97 million people under life-threatening heat alerts from the South to the East Coast, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

The dome of high pressure, acting like a lid on the atmosphere, is trapping heat and moisture, leading to dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels across multiple regions. By the end of the week, nearly 200 million Americans will be affected, with widespread highs climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Major cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City are already facing sweltering conditions, with some areas expected to feel as hot as 110 to 115 degrees due to oppressive humidity.

“High humidity significantly reduces the body’s ability to cool through sweating, making it feel far hotter than the actual air temperature,” meteorologists explained.

Read Also: Extreme heat warning issued for Lawrence, Douglas County as storms loom

Though largely dry conditions are expected under the heat dome, areas like Texas—which recently dealt with severe flooding—will continue to dry out. Meanwhile, the heat is expected to intensify and expand. By Thursday, the Great Lakes region will experience heat indices in the mid- to upper 90s, and by Friday, the most intense heat will shift toward the Northeast corridor.

Cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston are forecast to see highs in the 90s, but with elevated dew points, the “feels-like” temperature could exceed 100 degrees. Some cities may even flirt with record-breaking temperatures, with Newark, New Jersey potentially reaching the upper 90s.

Heat advisories have been issued across parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts—including Boston—from Thursday into Friday.

Although slightly cooler conditions are expected in New York and Boston over the weekend, with highs dipping into the 80s, the mid-Atlantic will remain firmly in the grip of extreme heat. Cities such as Richmond and D.C. will continue to face heat index readings in the low 100s, with the added risk of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

This summer has already proven historic, with over two dozen U.S. cities experiencing one of their five hottest summers on record. Average temperatures are currently running 1 to 3 degrees above normal in many regions. Long-range forecasts suggest that much of the East and Northeast will remain warmer than average for the rest of the season.

Climate Change: Foundation plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

The Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation has commenced the planting of 100,000 tree seedlings across Jigawa State as part of efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

The initiative, which is part of PADAC’s 2025 tree planting campaign, was flagged off on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital. PADAC is a focal group of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project currently being implemented in the state.

Speaking during the launch, the Executive Director of PADAC, Aisha Muhammad, said the foundation started the campaign with the planting of 1,500 tree seedlings within Dutse metropolis. She noted that the foundation is targeting the planting of 100,000 drought-resistant tree seedlings throughout the year, with the aim of mitigating the worsening effects of climate change in Jigawa.

Muhammad explained that the seedlings are being planted along selected roads and in communities that are particularly vulnerable to desertification and soil degradation. She urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by protecting and nurturing the seedlings to maturity.

According to her, trees play a vital role in curbing environmental challenges such as erosion, excessive heat, and loss of biodiversity, all of which are becoming more severe due to climate change.

Read Also: Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Hatuna Aliyu, commended PADAC for the initiative and described it as timely and impactful. He said that tree planting enhances air quality, supports biodiversity, and prevents erosion. He added that members of the state legislature would replicate the exercise in their various constituencies to support climate action across the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a council member of the Dutse Emirate Council, emphasized the role of trees as natural windbreakers and their contribution to improving overall air quality in the region.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Fagge, expressed his support for the initiative and called on fellow residents to take responsibility for the maintenance of the trees. He said he would personally ensure the protection of the seedlings planted in his area and encouraged others to do the same in order to maximize the benefits of the tree planting campaign.

The initiative is expected to help strengthen environmental resilience in the face of increasing climate challenges in northern Nigeria. It also aligns with national and global efforts to promote sustainability and reduce the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

Health experts have sounded the alarm over the growing impact of climate change on public health in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the disproportionate risks faced by women and vulnerable populations.

The warning came during a high-level panel session held on Thursday in Abuja, themed: “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health.” Stakeholders from health, policy, and civil society sectors convened to explore locally driven solutions, equity-based partnerships, and climate-resilient health systems in Africa.

Dr. Amina Dorayi, Regional Director at Pathfinder International, highlighted how extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves disrupt access to essential reproductive and maternal health services.

“Pregnancy does not pause for climate disasters,” Dorayi said, stressing that mobility challenges and supply chain breakdowns during emergencies often prevent women from accessing antenatal care and family planning services.

Dorayi further emphasized that climate-informed programming is crucial to safeguard women’s health during crises. She called on governments, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize women in climate response strategies by embedding health into climate policies and scaling up early warning systems.

Also speaking at the event, Mashishi Mokgadi of Organon, a global women’s health pharmaceutical company, stated that excluding women from climate-related health strategies undermines their effectiveness.

“If women and girls are not part of the climate conversation, how do we know what problems we are solving?” Mokgadi asked, urging the use of simplified, community-relevant language to ensure that even grassroots women are active participants in climate action.

She advocated for accessible policy implementation that ensures women are not just represented, but actively involved in shaping climate-health interventions.

Dr. Edwin Edeh, WHO Nigeria’s Coordinator for Public Health and Environment, said that health outcomes provide the most visible evidence of climate change’s impact

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

“Whether it’s in Lagos or Malawi, the impact of climate change shows up at the health facility,” he noted.

Edeh revealed that a nationwide assessment by WHO and Nigeria’s Ministry of Health found that 21% of the national disease burden is linked to climate change—equivalent to one in five deaths in the coming years, many of which are preventable with effective interventions.

He said Nigeria is already piloting solar-powered health centres, reducing both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and has launched training programs for a climate-smart health workforce.

“Climate resilience must be built with the people, not just for them,” Edeh stressed, urging investment in community engagement, data generation, and innovation.

Dr. Morires Atiko, CEO of the African Business Coalition for Health, urged the private sector to go beyond corporate social responsibility and integrate climate and health financing into core business operations.

“Climate activities are buried in social reporting and disconnected from health. This must change,” Atiko said.

She called for measurable climate action in business reporting, including tracking carbon footprints, adopting eco-friendly logistics, and investing in sustainable health infrastructure.

Atiko also emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration, involving innovation hubs, policymakers, and financial institutions in co-creating lasting solutions.

FULL STEPS to handling industrial pollution

The hidden costs of economic advancement are often overlooked in the rush and bustle of modern life. An unpleasant truth that can be seen behind the shiny exteriors of factories and warehouses is industrial pollution. The effects of industrial activity on the environment can be astounding, ranging from poisonous runoff to nauseating smells. There is, nevertheless, a gleam of light amid the darkness. We can give everyone a better, cleaner future by being proactive in reducing pollution.

Industrial Pollution’s Cost

Let’s face the unpleasant reality of industrial pollution before we look at potential solutions. Imagine a cityscape covered in a heavy layer of pollution, the air burning your lungs with each breath and tasting like sulfur. Imagine waterways that were once crystal-clear but are now choked with chemical waste, a muddy stew of toxins. This is the terrible legacy of unbridled industrialization, a heritage that puts our health and well-being in jeopardy along with the environment.

Encouraging Transformation: Doable Actions to Reduce Pollution

Industrial pollution presents formidable obstacles, but they are not insurmountable. We can reduce pollution and protect our world for future generations by working together and making a commitment to change.

Here are some doable actions we can apply:

1. Adopting Sustainable Practices:

Adopting sustainable practices is one of the best strategies to cut down on industrial pollution. This might include making investments in energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly production practices, or renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. The environmental impact of industrial activity can be greatly reduced by minimizing resource usage and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels.

2. Tightening Environmental Regulations:

Although individual initiatives are crucial, strong environmental regulations are also required. Establishing and upholding regulations for pollution management is primarily the responsibility of governments and regulatory agencies. Regulators may hold polluters accountable and encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies by enforcing tight emissions limits, penalizing non-compliance, and encouraging responsible waste management practices.

Read Also: Impacts of industrial pollution on Climate Change

3. Encouraging Circular Economy Principles:

Encouraging circular economy principles is another important tactic for reducing industrial pollution. This entails creating goods and procedures with the goal of reducing waste and optimizing the use of resources. We can limit the environmental impact of industrial activities and reduce the quantity of waste they generate by promoting the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of resources.

4. Investing in Technologies for Monitoring and Controlling Pollution:

Technological developments have given us access to effective instruments for keeping an eye on and managing pollution. Industries may track and reduce their environmental effect with the use of a wide range of technology, from wastewater treatment systems to air quality sensors. Businesses can minimize pollution and cut emissions by investing in these technologies and implementing them into their operations.

5. Promoting Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange:

Lastly, tackling industrial pollution necessitates cooperation amongst all parties involved, including corporations, governments, and local communities. Through promoting communication and information exchange, we can find novel approaches and industry-replicable best practices. We may make a lasting difference and optimize our effect by cooperating to achieve a common objective.

Final Thoughts: An Appeal for Action

In summary, industrial pollution is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. It is imperative that we take action. We can reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities and leave a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations by adopting sustainable practices, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, advocating for the circular economy, investing in pollution monitoring and control technologies, and encouraging cooperation and knowledge sharing. Now is the moment to take action. Together, let’s clear the air and make way for a more promising and sustainable future. Let’s get our hands dirty.

Eight practical ways to reduce digital carbon footprint

Our online activities in the current digital era greatly increase carbon emissions and degrade the environment. Every click and download leaves an ecological trace, whether it’s for cloud storage or video streaming. However, we can reduce our digital carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable future by making a few small but deliberate changes. We’ll look at eight useful tactics in this post to assist you in lessening your online environmental effect.

Recognizing Your Digital Carbon Footprint

Your internet usage, data storage, and device manufacture all have an influence on the environment. This is known as your “digital carbon footprint.” It includes the amount of energy used, the production of electronic trash, and the greenhouse gas emissions brought on by digital infrastructure and operations.

Here are eight practical strategies to reduce digital carbon footprint

1. Adjust the Device’s Settings

To cut down on energy usage, start by adjusting the settings on your gadgets. When your gadgets are not in use, turn on power-saving modes, change the brightness of the screen, and shorten the sleep or standby periods to save energy. Additionally, think about utilizing appliances and gadgets that are recognized energy-efficient by organizations like ENERGY STAR.

2. Simplify correspondence via email

Even though emails seem innocuous at first, the energy needed to send, store, and process digital messages builds up over time. By deleting pointless emails, unsubscribing from spam or promotional emails, and sending smaller file attachments, you can lessen the carbon footprint of your communications. In order to lower carbon emissions as a group, encourage contacts and coworkers to implement email best practices.

3. Adopt Cloud Computing

A more energy-efficient option to conventional on-premises data processing and storage is provided by cloud computing. Reduce the requirement for physical servers and hardware infrastructure by centralizing your digital files and documents on the cloud. Select trustworthy cloud service providers who run their businesses using carbon neutrality and renewable energy.

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

4. Engage in Mindful Broadcasting

You can increase your digital carbon footprint by streaming music, films, and other digital content, which uses a lot of energy and bandwidth. Limit the amount of time you spend streaming, save content for offline viewing, and choose lower resolution settings when you’re streaming. Think about endorsing platforms that put an emphasis on renewable energy sources and energy-efficient streaming technologies.

5. Increase Device Life

Carbon emissions and electronic waste are caused by the manufacture and disposal of electronic equipment. Invest in robust, repairable items, carry out routine maintenance, and install software updates to extend the life of your gadgets. When it’s time for an upgrade, think about properly recycling or donating your outdated electronics to reduce your influence on the environment.

6. Use Less Internet Data

Every online activity uses data and energy, from social media conversations to web browsing. Optimize your online browser’s settings, turn off auto-play video, and use browser extensions to block trackers and advertisements to cut down on the amount of data you need for the internet. To save energy and bandwidth, use versions of websites and apps that are simple or text-only.

7. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on the Internet

In order to mitigate the environmental impact of your online actions, you can offset your digital carbon footprint by contributing to renewable energy projects or carbon offset efforts. You may quantify and offset your carbon footprint with monetary contributions thanks to the many organizations that offer carbon offset programs specifically designed for digital emissions.

8. Educate and Speak Up

Finally, spread awareness among others and yourself on how digital technology affects the environment and how crucial it is to lessen our digital carbon footprint. To spread awareness and encourage group action, share resources, best practices, and information with friends, family, coworkers, and online communities. Encourage the adoption of laws and programs that advance sustainability, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy in the digital industry.

In summary

A crucial first step in creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable digital future is lowering your digital carbon footprint. You can lessen the influence you have on the environment and support international efforts to address climate change by putting these doable tactics into practice and developing thoughtful digital habits. Keep in mind that every little action matters, and that by working together, we can significantly impact the preservation of our world for coming generations.

How climate change ignites wildfires

Devastating wildfires have increased alarmingly in recent years, leaving a trail of burnt land and destroyed communities in their wake.

Wildfires have always been a part of the natural cycle, but recently, they have been more frequent and intense than ever before, raising the important question, “What’s fueling this inferno?” The complex relationship between wildfires and climate change holds the key to the solution. We’ll explore the ways by which climate change feeds the flames of these catastrophic occurrences in this extensive guide.

Knowing the Basics:

It’s important to understand the basics of wildfires before exploring the role of climate change. These are usually set off by a confluence of elements, such as dry weather, high temps, and igniting sources like lightning or human action. Wildfires are fueled by vegetation, wind, and topography, and they spread quickly once they start. But climate change is a powerful catalyst that exacerbates these circumstances and raises the risk of wildfires.

The Impact of Temperature Increases:

The continuous increase in global temperatures is one of the most obvious effects of climate change. The rising mercury makes the atmosphere more favorable for wildfires to spread. Higher temperatures cause more evaporation, which deters moisture from the soil and plants. As a result, landscapes are more prone to catching fire; little sparks have the power to start enormous fires.

Modified Precipitation Patterns:

Another factor contributing to the wildfire equation is the way that climate change is altering precipitation patterns. Prolonged droughts interspersed with infrequent, intense rainstorm events have become the new normal in many areas. These unpredictable precipitation patterns affect the environment in two ways: first, they dry up the flora, making it more flammable. Second, prolonged periods of heavy rain can hasten the growth of vegetation, which would provide an abundance of fuel for future flames. The unpredictable mix of floods and droughts creates the conditions for disastrous fire seasons.

Winds of Change:

The direction and pace of a wildfire’s spread are greatly influenced by the wind. Wildfire danger is increasing due to changes in wind patterns brought about by climate change. The rise of extreme wind events, like the Santa Ana winds in California and the Foehn winds in Europe, is one noteworthy development. These strong gusts not only exacerbate the flames but also help wildfires spread quickly, making containment operations very difficult.

The Wildfire and Climate Change Feedback Loop:

The occurrence of feedback loops, in which wildfires aggravate climate change, which in turn causes additional wildfires, is perhaps the most worrisome part of the climate-wildfire relationship. Massive volumes of carbon dioxide are released into the sky when forests burn, which intensifies global warming and the greenhouse effect.

Furthermore, the loss of vegetation increases the carbon imbalance by lowering the Earth’s ability to sequester carbon. This destructive cycle feeds the cycle of climate change, producing a vicious cycle that is self-reinforcing and has catastrophic effects on both communities and ecosystems.

Read Also: Environmental, economic benefits of tree planting

Effects on biodiversity and ecosystems:

The effects of wildfires brought on by climate change go far beyond scorched terrain and hazy skies. These infernos destroy habitats and threaten biodiversity, wreaking havoc on ecosystems. Long-term or intense wildfires have the potential to drive species that have acclimated to fire-dependent habitats beyond their limits of adaptation. Furthermore, a decline in biodiversity may have a domino effect that upsets natural processes and topples entire ecosystems.

Human Costs and Community Resilience:

Wildfires have a severe negative impact on human communities both directly and indirectly, in addition to wreaking havoc on the environment. These calamities leave a wake of wrecked houses, lost lives, and disrupted livelihoods. Living under continual fear of wildfires has a significant psychological cost that makes impacted populations more stressed, anxious, and traumatized. On the other hand, communities may increase resilience by taking preventative actions including early warning systems, construction that is fire-resistant, and land-use planning.

Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation:

Handling the wildfire crisis calls for a multimodal strategy that incorporates both techniques for mitigation and adaptation. The primary goal of mitigation measures is to slow down the acceleration of climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This means establishing sustainable land management techniques, switching to renewable energy sources, and promoting global cooperation. In terms of adaptation, spending on measures like planned burns, fuel reduction, and community outreach is crucial for increasing resilience and lessening the effects of wildfires.

In summary, climate change is a significant threat in the fight against wildfires. The long-lasting droughts, intense heat waves, and unpredictable weather patterns that contribute to these infernos are clearly signs of their influence. At the municipal, national, and international levels, coordinated effort is required to address this existential threat. We can reduce the likelihood of wildfires and protect the environment for coming generations by tackling the underlying causes of climate change and putting adaptive measures in place.

Exploring government initiatives to improve energy efficiency

Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the critical need to address energy efficiency in order to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. As a result, several governments have developed a variety of plans and initiatives to encourage energy-efficient practices across all industries. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most effective government initiatives targeted at increasing energy efficiency and promoting positive environmental change.

Recognizing Energy Efficiency’s Significance

The technique of utilizing less energy to complete the same tasks—thereby decreasing waste and preserving resources—is referred to as energy efficiency. To reduce energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions, it includes actions like installing energy-saving devices, upgrading equipment, and enhancing insulation.

Energy Efficiency Guidelines

Setting energy performance criteria for buildings, machinery, and appliances is one of the main tactics used by governments to increase energy efficiency. By establishing minimum efficiency requirements that builders and manufacturers must adhere to, these standards promote the advancement and uptake of energy-efficient technologies.

Financial Rewards and Rebate Schemes

governments encourage people, companies, and industries to engage in energy efficiency renovations by providing financial incentives and rebate schemes. These financial incentives could come in the form of cash rebates, grants, tax credits, or low-interest loans for installing renewable energy systems, renovating buildings, or buying energy-efficient products.

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Finance for Energy Efficiency

Governments frequently grant access to specialist finance mechanisms in order to remove financial obstacles to energy efficiency improvements. These could include energy-saving loans, green bonds, or energy performance contracts, which let companies and government organizations finance energy-saving initiatives with little or no up-front money.

Certification and Labeling of Energy Efficiency

Programs for energy efficiency certification and labeling can provide information on the energy performance of goods and services, enabling customers to make well-informed purchases. Governments create labeling programs that provide buildings, cars, and appliances energy efficiency scores or labels according to their energy usage and performance parameters.

Standards and Codes for Building Energy

Minimum energy efficiency requirements for new construction and substantial renovations are mandated by building energy codes and regulations. Governments can minimize operating costs, improve occupant safety and comfort, and reduce energy demand by ensuring that buildings are planned and built to fulfill particular energy efficiency criteria.

Leadership in the Public Sector

By adopting energy-efficient practices in public buildings, infrastructure, and operations, governments provide an exemplary example for others to follow. Government organizations illustrate the financial and environmental advantages of energy efficiency through energy audits, retrofits, and performance contracts, which encourage the private sector to take comparable measures.

Funding for Research and Development

Research and development (R&D) spending is essential to the advancement of energy-efficient innovations and technology. Governments provide funds for research and development projects that are intended to create novel technologies, enhance already-existing goods, and tackle major issues related to energy efficiency in a range of industries.

Campaigns for Public Education and Awareness

Campaigns for public awareness and education are essential for promoting a sustainable and energy-efficient culture. Governments start campaigns to spread the word about the value of energy conservation, offer doable advice on how to save energy at home and at work, and encourage lifestyle adjustments that support energy-efficient living.

In summary

Government initiatives to increase energy efficiency are essential for promoting sustainable development and favorable environmental results. Governments can promote energy-saving habits and technology among individuals, organizations, and industries through the implementation of a range of measures, including standards, incentives, finance mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns. By working together, we can create a future where using less energy will benefit the earth and all of its inhabitants.

Recycling and Upcycling of waste to tackle flooding

Few years back, I was opportune to attend a waste management conference organized by the Oyo state government in collaboration with the World Bank, which brought together industry experts. It was a World Bank-assisted project aimed at delivering the state from the menace of flood erosion.

Ibadan the state capital has a long history of flooding, as the city has been been experiencing flooding since 1951.

In that event, industry experts discussed how to completely eradicate the recurrent flooding issue, and discussion around waste management and flooding took center stage.

Over the years, the government through funded research found out that the major cause of flooding in Oyo was the mismanagement of waste products that block canals, gutters, and drainages.

So in finding a lasting solution to this ravaging menace of waste pollution in the state, they engaged experts who could manage waste by possibly recycling and upcycling waste.

The experts came to conclusion that the state’s waste management board should create avenues in which people can easily dispose of their wastes, while disposed wastes can be separated into three types of waste.

They explained that recycling and upcycling innovative solutions can significantly contribute to reducing waste and its effects on the state.

Read Also: Environmental, economic benefits of tree planting

Today we will be discussing about three types of wastes that were discussed in the meeting and the benefits of converting these wastes for the good of any community.

Here are three major types of wastes:

1.        Vegetable wastes

2.         Recycle wastes

3.        Upcycle wastes.

1. Vegetable waste is wastes that comprise mainly of vegetable matter, which can be decomposed by microorganisms or natural agents.

Here are some examples of Vegetable wastes:

·         Rotten

·         Peels

·         Animal shells

·         Slurries

·         Foods

There are two major benefits of vegetable waste.

Farmers can convert vegetable wastes into fertilizers for agricultural purposes.

Secondly, vegetable wastes can be converted into natural sources of energy which can replace fossil fuels as a good alternative.

2. Recyclable wastes are wastes that can be converted into new products.

These kinds of wastes are non-biodegradable wastes meaning they cannot be decomposed or dissolved by natural agents or microorganisms.

Here are some examples of recyclable waste:

·         Plastic and Bottles

·         Food and Beverage containers.

·         Paper.

·         Glass.

·         Metals

·         Glass

The benefits of recycling cannot be over-emphasized, as new products will be formed in the process, and the need for new raw materials for production will greatly reduce as the recycled products can replace new raw materials.

Recycling waste materials such as plastic, bottle, beverage containers, glass and metals can help reduce land pollution and landfill waste that end up blocking sewages and drainages, which in turn help conserve natural resources.

Other state governments can learn from the strategies of the Oyo state government in setting up different recycling initiatives such as community recycling programs within local government areas and implementation of waste management systems in different municipals, which will definitely generate positive impacts of recycling in the state.

3. Upcycleable wastes are materials that have been discarded or abandoned and can be transformed into new products of higher value.

Here are some examples of Upcycleable waste:

·         Old furniture can be refurbished into unique pieces.

·          Transforming bottles into lamps

·          Repurposing textiles into bags or accessories.

Upcycling can then be defined as the process of creatively transforming waste materials, by-products or unwanted materials into new materials with greater quality to foster a friendlier environment.

Unlike recyclable wastes that are melted and reshaped into new materials, upcycleable wastes are creatively repurposed.

Upcycling also has some benefits such as the encouragement of the use of imagination and innovation in redesigning an object into new items. Upcycling does not only reduce waste, but also fosters creativity and resourcefulness.

Environmental, economic benefits of tree planting

The benefits of planting trees around our environment anywhere in the world cannot be overemphasized, especially at a time like this when there is high variation in global climate and climate change. These alterations contribute to the impact of floods on our communities.

Today we will be taking a look at some benefits of tree planting which includes environmental benefits and economic benefits. We’ll also look at some challenges facing tree planting in our communities.

Here are six environmental benefits of planting trees to mitigate the effect of flooding:

1. Trees are able to clean the air naturally and reduce the amount of pollutants in the air.

2. Their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen (O2) plays a vital role in combating climate change, as we all know that CO2 is one of the main contributors to climate change.

3. One of the most important benefits of tree planting is that it reduces the risk of soil erosion and stabilizes the soil while it’s being fertilized, nourished, and watered to support normal plant development.

4.  Trees soak up water through their roots and prevent flooding, they also filter pollutants and purify water.

5. Trees also provide shelter for wildlife and support biodiversity by offering multiple pathways for organisms to thrive.

6. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which prevents large amounts of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

When trees are planted in our neighbourhoods, the environment is healthier, fresher, and more natural.

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In addition to the environmental benefits of tree planting, we should also take into account the economic benefits. 

The following are some of the economic benefits that tree planting can bring to our communities:

1. Mitigate and fight against natural disasters like mudslides, floods, and significantly reduce soil erosion. 

2. Tree-reserved areas have the potential to boost a country’s tourism industry. Tourists and foreign countries love to visit green, wooded and green areas. 

3. Tree planting can help protect biodiversity, encourage eco-tourism and provide livelihoods for local communities 

4. Massive income can be generated from trees planted for Timber, which can be used for the following: wood for furniture, wood for building construction, paper and tissue paper, rubber, Charcoal, and plywood.

5. Trees add value to buildings, increasing their value and increasing the likelihood of faster and higher-priced sales.

6. Tree planting creates jobs for gardeners and other members of the community. 

Planting trees stimulates economic development in countries and communities around the world. 

While discussing the advantages and benefits of planting trees in our community, it is important to note that tree planting comes with its own set of challenges. 

As we strive to create a heather-rich environment, here are some of the challenges we face when planting trees:

1. The unavailability of land to plant trees may limit the enthusiasm for tree planting due to the need for adequate space.

2. The selection of tree species can be a challenge due to Soil, Climate and Suitable environment.

3. Ability to maintain a healthy population of trees, and ability to control diseases and pests. 

4. Ability to raise funds for tree species, fertilizer, watering, pesticides and other materials needed to support tree growth 

5. Inability to thoroughly sensitize the public and engage them in the planting process. 

It’s important to understand that tree planting comes with its own set of challenges, so it’s a good idea to prepare for them before embarking on this journey. 

However, the environmental and economic benefits of tree planting should be your main motivators. 

In conclusion, it’s clear that tree planting is an important part of mitigating and fighting climate change. 

Not only does it provide environmental benefits, but it also helps drive economic growth.

With the support of state governments and private partnerships, as well as community initiatives, planting trees will become the norm and a widely desired practice.