KUALA KANGSAR: Adaptation and mitigation measures must be pioneered and implemented to ensure environmental sustainability, Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said.
Sultan Nazrin said trees and forests were no longer appreciated, as they both were increasingly seen as commercial produce for timber, while forests were seen as land for commercial farming that resulted in rampant logging.
"50 per cent of greenhouse emission is caused by carbon dioxide. Every young tree is able to absorb 13 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and a tree is at its most productive level after 10 years and capable of absorbing 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, thus supplying oxygen for two people.
"On average, an acre of forest is capable of isolating 2.5 tonnes carbon dioxide per year. Every tonne of growing trees will be able to absorb 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said this in his opening speech at the state-level Landscape Day celebration at Laman Budaya here, today.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim; Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah; Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nazhatul Shima Sultan Idris Shah and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Sultan Nazrin added that the large-scale tree planting initiatives are a proactive step in addressing the threat of climate change.
"Natural ecological ecosystem services can be restored with the increasing number of trees and serious efforts to conserve and protect the forests. Forests are able to effectively absorb sunlight radiation and act as a carbon sink," he said.
Sultan Nazrin also lauded Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) move in cooperating with the state government and Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council by planting trees surrounding the council buildings.
"Since two months ago, 633 trees have been planted in the first phase of the programme. The trees were specially selected by experts from Tunas Harapan Nursery in Behrang and Richard James Kingham, who has vast knowledge and is passionate about tree.
"As such, the efforts by TNB must be followed by other associations, GLCs (government-linked companies) and companies," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said the planting of 633 trees in this Royal Town is the beginning and not the end.
"Several places in the state are named after trees. Among them are Ipoh, Beruas, Lekir, Changkat Keruing and Padang Rengas.
"How many generations today recognise these trees and do they still exist in places that use their names?
"As such, every quarter needs to have the momentum by giving their commitment. TNB's efforts with the council must be welcomed in every village, sub-district, district and state," he added.