The recent floods in Kenya and other parts of the world are a clear manifestation of climate change.
The deaths and destruction are unprecedented and is a clear warning that when you mess with Mother Nature the repercussions are dire.
It is hoped that the recent happenings sends a clear message to sceptics that climate change is real.
It is for this reason that we need not make tree planting an event, but a lifestyle.
To quote Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai: "You can make a lot of speeches, but the real thing is when you dig a hole, plant a tree, give it water and make it survive. That's what makes the difference."
Are any follow-ups made after the much fanfare associated with the National Tree Planting Day?
It is more cost-effective to provide Kenyans with free tree seedlings during the rainy season than organising major events, which end up being gravy trains for the organisers.
We equally need to take stringent measures to protect our forest cover, which currently stands at 8.83 per cent and falls short of the desired 10 per cent. There should be no doublespeak in conservation matters.
It beats logic to cut down trees way faster than we can plant. Let it become part of the Kenyan culture to do environmental work.
Quote of the day: "Granted that I know little of my real self, still, I am the best evidence for myself."
Henry Morton Stanley
The Welsh-American journalist, soldier and colonial administrator died on May 10, 1904
