The Environmental Benefits of Trees in a Changing Climate: A Nigerian Experience

Abstract

The paper presents a micrometeorological study on the environmental benefits of trees in the Taraba State University, Jalingo in Nigeria. Temperatures under three different surfaces (under trees and among different tree species, bare-ground and asphalted surfaces) within the campus were measured. The temperature under trees such as Mahogany (Khaya senegalenses), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Gmalaina (Gmalaina aborea), Mango (Mangifera indica) found on the University campus alongside bare-ground (no vegetal coverage) and asphalted road surfaces were measured in degree Celsius for a period of three weeks. Additionally, 113 copies of some self-structured questionnaires were administered to the students of the University from the departments of Geography, Agricultural Science, Biological Science, Medical Laboratory Technology as well as the Male and Female hostels on campus. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, line graph and pie chart. The study showed that there is a temperature variation under different surfaces. Under the trees recorded lowest mean temperature of 29.5°C followed by bare-ground with 32.5°C whereas asphalt surface recorded the highest mean temperature of 37.5°C. The temperature under different tree species shows that trees with bigger crown and broad leaves had lower temperatures. Mean temperature under the Mango tree was 28°C while under the Neem tree, mean temperature was 32°C. On the benefits of trees to the University campus, trees as a wind breaker constituted the highest benefit as expressed by the respondents (how many in %). The following recommendations were made among others; Students should be encouraged to plant trees by giving those who are willing the seedlings of trees as incentives and water should also be made available and accessible in different in locations order to maintain the planting and maintenance of trees. Cutting down of trees should be discouraged and environmental education on the benefits of trees should be a routine activity. There should be a follow-up study on carbon sequestration in Nigeria based on solid data on benefits.