DAMMAM: The Eastern Province municipality planted more than 2.7 million winter flowers and shrubs during the last three months as a part of the Eastern Green Initiative. More than 137,000 trees were planted in Dammam during the drive. Municipality spokesman Mohammad Al-Sufyan said the green belts have been developed along main thoroughfares, the sea front, the corniche and at different public places in a bid to beautify the region. He said the authorities are making efforts to make cities more sustainable and curb environmental pollution. Al-Sufyan said the drive will help improve the quality of life of all residents. Deforestation, which is a global phenomenon, has increased CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and rising temperatures have shown how harmful the impact can be on ecosystems — increased water temperatures, record-breaking summer heat, strong and devastating storms. But there is a way to undo some of the damage. Trees can help mitigate the consequences of climate change as they have great potential for carbon sequestration and are often seen as the easiest and most affordable approach to address global warming. Al-Sufyan said the authorities are taking measures to humanize Saudi cities and improve the urban landscape.