Don’t Destroy Trees Without Replanting, Cleric Warns Against Environmental Degradation
The Vicar of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Innocent Chinazaekpere Uwakwe, has called for greater environmental consciousness, particularly through tree planting, to curb environmental degradation, flooding and erosion. In his homily on Sept. 6, Fr. Uwakwe described trees as essential to human survival, stressing their role in oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption and soil conservation.
According to him, indiscriminate destruction of trees without replacement amounts to endangering human life and worsening environmental problems. “Trees are life-sustaining gifts from God. They generate oxygen that sustains our lives and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore, destroying them without replacement simply amounts to destroying our lives,” he said.
Fr. Uwakwe also explained that trees help to hold the soil together, thereby reducing the impact of floodwater and preventing the washing away of soil that often results in erosion. He urged estate developers and builders to adopt environmentally friendly practices by avoiding the complete interlocking or concreting of their compounds.
He advised them to leave portions of their premises covered with grass and other vegetation to allow rainwater to seep naturally into the soil. The cleric also encouraged property owners to construct floodwater catchment pits where necessary, rather than waiting for government intervention after flooding has caused damage.
He said protecting communities from flooding was primarily in the interest of residents, who bear the immediate consequences of environmental degradation, rather than the government.
Fr. Uwakwe further condemned the adulteration of food and beverages, describing those involved in the practice as responsible for putting consumers’ lives at risk.
He expressed concern over the increasing production of adulterated alcoholic beverages, particularly palm wine, noting that traditional methods of tapping palm wine required considerable time compared with the speed at which some adulterated products are now produced.
He said some of the substances used to fabricate such drinks could have serious health consequences, including kidney and liver problems. The cleric warned that causing harm through the production and sale of poisonous or adulterated consumables should be viewed as a serious form of killing.
“I must assure you, killing is not only about shooting or macheting. If you generate poison in the name of consumable production, you are not better than a killer, and God must recompense,” he said.
