As the world observed International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, on Saturday, 7 September, under the theme Invest in “CleanAirNow”, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is at the forefront in providing clean air to the citizens of Joburg through its tree planting initiatives across the city.
The United Nations Environment Programme emphasised the need for urgent intervention through partnerships with governments, the private sector, and ordinary citizens of the world. Air pollution is considered the second leading health risk factor and is responsible for illnesses such as heart attacks, lung cancer, and other respiratory complications and infections.
The need for collaborative interest and investment and shared responsibility globally, will have far-reaching success stories for ensuring the air we breathe is clean.Trees are incredible purifiers of the atmosphere. They absorb poisonous gases like carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, amongst others, and make a city like Joburg a green haven for its residents.
Planting more trees, not only during Arbor Month, is the responsibility of all. Arbor Month reminds us that the simple act of planting a tree can have long-term benefits for years to come. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo as the custodians of greening in the City of Joburg have boots on the ground, planting trees in the various regions during September and distributing fruit trees to communities.
Although Joburg is deemed the biggest human-made forest in the world with an estimate of over 3.2 million trees, JCPZ is dealing with the ongoing illegal felling of these precious trees.
Residents are urged to refrain from removing healthy street trees or face hefty fines as street trees are the property of the City of Joburg. Dead or infected trees should be reported to City Parks and Zoo on 011 712 6600/6617 or through social media.Together, we can plant a forest, one tree at a time. Be part of the change for a greener, healthier city.
