UNAIR NEWS – The importance of air quality in metropolitan cities is needed because of a large number of people who live in here. The occurrence of illegal logging and the reduction of green spaces replaced by glass buildings have made the global warming effect worse.
In response to this, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed new students by planting 1000 trees on Sunday, August 4 behind Faculty of Pharmacy Building, Campus C, UNAIR. The activity is a series of Amerta PKKMB UNAIR 2019.
The event were opened by Tri Rismaharini as Mayor of Surabaya and H. M. Rizal Effendi, S.E as Mayor of Balikpapan, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, SE., M.T. Ak., CMA as Rector UNAIR, and witnessed by the faculty deans and 7000 new students of UNAIR.
Prof. Nasih in his remarks stated that planting 1000 trees was expected to improve air quality in Surabaya. It is a manifestation of love and offerings to Surabaya, Indonesia and the world.
“This program will be an ongoing program and will also be monitored regularly. We will also actively invite students to jointly build green spaces on campus and other areas, “he said.
Meanwhile, Risma said tree planting program was a smart idea of UNAIR in dealing with the effects of global warming. In addition to improving air quality, another benefit is being able to improve the quality of water and the surrounding soil.
“When it rains, trees can store water and will be used during the dry season. Therefore good tree planting needs to be done regularly. Currently, some corners in Surabaya rarely experience flooding when it rains because they have been active in reforestation. In the future, this program will be carried out continuously,” he concluded.
Besides that, UNAIR also distributed tumbler bottle that can be used to refill water. That was the first step for UNAIR in reducing plastic waste on campus. The idea also received appreciation and a thumbs up from Risma. According to her, the distribution of bottles will also be applied in his office because it can minimize plastic waste.
“By planting trees, we will later provide good and useful oxygen quality. Reducing the use of plastic must also be done to reduce toxins and soil pollution, “Risma concluded
Author: Muhammad Wildan Suyuti
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
