28

@ Forest | May-June , 2021

BY THE GREEN DUDE

It is becoming irresponsible if we continue to talk , lament and do nothing . I mean sitting down and shouting over social media without participating in activities that show that we care – this must change . One of the ways is to start planting trees .

Which is what the community in Ampang- Hulu Klang did one wet Sunday in April . A small group of volunteers braved the morning rain to plant trees by the roadside in UK Heights . Interestingly , these group comprised corporate leaders , expatriates , businessmen and women who care and want to make a difference . According to the organiser , Ariv , a young 22-year-old coordinator of Zone 8 , Ampang Parliamentary Constituency , there is ample landscape budget in the Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya ( MPAJ ) that has not been utilised .

Apparently not many people within the community know about this . The Local Councilor too does not see this as a priority and is more concerned about other social needs , especially during this Covid-19 pandemic .

Carbon emissions at dangerous levels

Why is it important for communities to participate in green programs such as the planting of trees ? Besides bringing together the members of the community , it is an opportune moment to experience nature and to understand why it is important .

Development around Ampang is at a frantic pace . Massive elevated highways are being constructed and this includes the SUKE and the DUKE . The “ suka and duka ” syndrome affects everyone as they commute to work and back , and even during non-peak hours .

Traffic jams are inevitable of course and there have been a few deaths as well from falling cranes and concrete on passing vehicles , no thanks to careless contractors working on the highway projects .

The carbon emissions are at a dangerous level and after these highways are completed , it will just get worse as more vehicles will be using them leading to more pollution .

Tree planting gives the community a sense of belonging and understanding about their inevitable role in enhancing and maintaining greenery . They will realise that they can be empowered to seek more participation in development plans affecting their environment .

Currently , this is not the case . And local councils can succumb to the needs of developers when it comes to financial goals . We have seen this in the few recent cases involving corrupt ministers and politicians .

Can we really trust our MP ’ s and Assemblymen to take a serious look at these issues ?

Youths can play a role

Is there a “ green vision ” for Ampang ? From our sources , there is none because it is not a priority . They feel it does not fit the development aspirations of a growing municipality where developing a concrete jungle is the goal .

A green environment contributes positively to our mental and physical health . It gives a positive impact to our growing children . Schools should be encouraged to hold more classes outdoors especially in science , biology and civic lessons . Are our schools brave enough to think outside the box and outside the classroom ?

A green community also enhances the value of the property . This probably is the only way to ensure sustainability in property prices as people search for homes surrounded by lush greenery .

Looking at the near future , it is highly unlikely that the tree planting efforts will carry on as the nation battles the impact of Covid 19 and has budget constraints .

More innovative ways need to be found to fund these efforts . And this is where the corporate world can participate . People like the young Ariv and the youthful groups that he has influence on can start thinking about these possibilities . Of course , he also needs the support of the powers that be .

Youth can play a more effective role in environmental sustainability programs as the future of the community and the earth belongs to them . We , the senior citizens , are here borrowing the earth from them , with the little time we have now . — @ Forest

The Green Dude cannot wish the good old days of greenery and cool temperatures to return , but he has enough experience to see its deterioration as local councils succumb to developers ’ financial goals at the expense of a sustainable environment .