The best known way to compensate emissions of the greenhouse gas CO2 is by planting trees. Trees need CO2 to grow. In this process (photosynthesis) they use the carbon to grow: they capture the carbon (C) in Carbon-dioxide (CO2) in their biomass (wood, plant fibre, roots, ...). As a waste product they again emit oxygen (O2).
In that way trees (and plants) actually purify the air for humans. 1 tree will absorb on average around 24 kg (53 pounds) per year.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”
Mahatma Gandhi
Can we plant 1 million trees by the end of 2019 and be the change we want to see in the world?
BACKGROUND
#plantED is part of the third Climate Action Project.
What is the Climate Action Project?
It is a student-centred project where students ask the questions, do the research, brainstorm and discuss. They share their findings via weekly videos or presentations on our website to be viewed by other students. It uses technology to cross geographical barriers, break down classroom walls and connect students across the world.
The innovations of past projects has been inspiring with students 3D printing coral reefs (Canada), developing a biomass plant (Nigeria) and eco-bricks (Indonesia). Some students used aquaponics to grow plants in Malawi with 90% less water (USA). It is not surprising that this work has caught the eye of world leaders like HH the Dalai Lama and Dr. Jane Goodall who have publically endorsed the program.
During October 2019, we aim to have more than 500 schools/services take part across 100 countries. In short there will be over 100 000 participants.
We are excited, as this project is the first Climate Action Project to invite the world’s youngest citizens to participate. We welcome the teachers and children from early childhood education and care services to our community. We cannot wait to hear what you do as part of #plantED.
Want to part of this amazing project?
Participation is easy: plant a tree and join the movement.
WHY TREES?
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
(Chinese Proverb)
Trees have been part of the earth’s ecosystem for over 385 million years. They are precious and unique and play a vital role in our existence. In short, if there was no vegetation in the world humans (and many other species) would cease to exist. Trees are also one of the best (and cheapest) ways to tackle climate change. They absorb and store carbon dioxide, stop soil erosion and are the most effective land cover for maintaining water quality. In short, trees are AMAZING.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
- Plant some trees or take a pledge.
Maybe the time is not right to plant trees in your country. - Register your tree planting: let us know how many trees you planted, the location, your (school) name, etc.
We'd love to see a photo about the trees being planted. see Want More? for ideas.
Register
- Spread the news!
Invite 5 to 10 other people/schools/services to plant trees - Celebrate.
At the conclusion of the project, each participating school/service will receive a certificate - Why don't you join our Climate Action project. In October 2019 more than 500 schools across 100 countries will focus on Climate Change. The students will explore, brainstorm, create, connect and share their findings via weekly videos to be published at the website. This way learning becomes global. Students and teachers will not only study facts, they will try to find solutions and take action.
Join the Climate Action project
INFORMATION THAT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AFTER THE PROJECT ON THE CLIMATE ACTION PROJECT WEBSITE:
1. Google Map showing where and how many trees have been planted across the globe during #plantED
2. Information showing the collective impact of our 31 days of action. Data from the project will be sent to students who will analyse it and report on key findings such as how many trees were planted, what species were planted, how much carbon was offset as well as any other trends discovered
3. Stories and photos from participants
THE WISHING TREE initiative
"Let’s take our hearts for a walk in the woods and listen to the magic whispers of old trees."
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Want to make #plantED even more magical?
We are excited as this is the first Climate Action Project to invite the world’s youngest citizens to participate. We welcome the teachers and children from early childhood education and care services to our community.
We cannot wait to hear what you do as part of #plantED.