A professor of Silviculture and Plant Biotechnology, Prof. Alaba Gbadamosi of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State has raised the alarm that the earth has been brought to the brink of unmitigated disaster as a result of deforestation.
He raised the alarm while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of the varsity on Tuesday on the campus.
The erudite professor said the level of deforestation in the world “Could lead to disastrous consequences for the globe and its inhabitants unless something serious is done urgently to stop deforestation.”
He added that the destruction of the earth’s natural habitat through unchecked human activities is destroying the global ecosystem.
Delivering the lecture entitled: “The Earth Heating Mantle: Forest to the Rescue,” Prof. Gbadamosi emphasized the critical state of the global ecosystem, highlighting the imminent threat of unmitigated disaster unless immediate and concerted actions are taken to curb deforestation.
He noted that building a healthy economy or nation would be impossible on an unhealthy planet, emphasising the significance of environmental health and global well-being.
Speaking on the causes of environmental degradation, Don identified deforestation as a major contributor to climate change, biodiversity loss and the emergence of new diseases.
Prof. Gbadamosi, who is also the Dean of the institution’s Faculty of Agriculture, called for collaborative efforts among relevant agencies and stakeholders as well as more rational use of natural resources to stem the disaster.
The inaugural lecturer listed global warming leading to flooding that threatens coastal cities, a rise in the earth’s temperature, and disastrous changes in climate and weather conditions resulting in drought and famine as consequences of unchecked destruction of the earth’s forests and biodiversity.
Prof. Gbadamosi, therefore, proposed immediate measures to check the disasters.
According to him, “A halt to deforestation activities, an increase in small-scale forest holdings and community forests, resuscitation of efficient forestry services, sustainable yield models, adequate funding, the establishment of ecological zones, and public enlightenment on the dangers of indiscriminate bush burning,” would check the disasters.
He emphasized the crucial role of forests and trees in addressing environmental challenges, advocating for the maintenance and restoration of degraded lands, expansion of agroforestry, and the adoption of sustainable forest use practices.
The professor explained that the poverty index in tropical nations could be addressed by forests and trees and enhance sustainable economies.
He noted that the poverty index in tropical nations with vast forest estates should be addressed because “We cannot expect too much from poor and hungry people as regards the preservation of biodiversity and conservation of the forests.”
The lecturer said: “As one of the factors fueling the farmers/herders clashes in Nigeria, the drying up of river basins in certain areas as seen in the case of Lake Chad River Basin, caused by the unreasonable use of the environment.
“While there may seem to be an expansionist scheme in the herders/farmers clashes in Nigeria, the fact remains that the grazing and water resources available for nomadic cattle rearing have been limited by climate change and the business interest of herders has been threatened hence the continued conflicts and disagreements since early 2000.”
Prof. Gbadamosi, therefore, urged governments at all levels to revive all moribund paper mills across the federation.
He said: “Governments at the national and state levels should form a synergy towards reviving the moribund paper mills scattered all over Nigeria and stop the shameful capital flight in the importation of pulp and paper products.”
Earlier, while introducing the inaugural lecturer, the varsity’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, emphasized the importance of Inaugural lectures as platforms for researchers to share the benefits of their work and offer recommendations for addressing current challenges in the country.
He, therefore, commended Prof. Gbadamosi for his significant contributions to the University and society at large, both in academic and administrative roles.
