CAIRO: Trees. They take carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere, and –graciously- provide us with oxygen. Oxygen is a gas that is essential for all living beings -or the aerobic ones (oxygen breathing organisms) at least. In the wake of global warming, scientists warn us about the increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other green house gases that trap heat and cause the phenomenon. One obvious solution is to plant trees to absorb this carbon and provide us with the much needed alternative. The State Forestry Administration of the world’s biggest polluter, China (according to 2009 statistics), took to the task with establishing the China Green Carbon Fund in 2007 and plating trees over an area of 66,000 hectares. Yet, smaller more consistent steps most definitely also make a difference. Volunteers in Action (VIA), one of the largest development organizations in the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the only student organization focusing on the development of orphans, took their development goals a little further by incorporating an environmental twist. VIA was established in 1997 by proactive students in AUC and has been working closely with orphanages and underprivileged areas of Egypt to alleviate their poverty, support them with supplies and even run entire illiteracy abatement programs. They do such by operating 6 different programs. If you were or are a student at AUC you would remember their campaigns before and during Ramadan and the holy feasts to collect donations. On April 16, VIA held a “plant-a-tree†event in Meet Okba, an area they are heavily involved in. During the event, members planted trees in the streets of Meet Okba and taught kids how to plant and also take care of a plant. Furthermore, they educated them on the importance of trees and nature to human beings. The members of VIA are aware of the importance of environmental education and awareness. They also acknowledge the efforts that AUC has undertaken in its new campus to educate and provide solutions to various environmental issues. Additionally, they support the notion of planting a tree for our planet and the importance of spreading this notion to increase the impact of such positive action in the face of global warming and climate change. VIA has undertaken this event and task to assert their goal of cleaning up our act for the future generations and involving them while at it. Earth Day is today; we’re planting a tree to celebrate the day and our planet, are you? ecooptionsegypt.com
