Detroit Newspapers in Education

FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 17, 2008

A perfect spokesman for a tall order: Planting trees

As center of China's basketball team, Yao Ming caused worldwide excitement by drilling a three-pointer at the start of China's game against the United States in the Summer Olympics.

Off the court, the 7'6" NBA star was making news in a way that could be important worldwide for years to come.

Just as the Olympics started, Yao was introduced as the first-ever Environmental Champion of the United Nations Environment Programme.

In that role, the Houston Rockets superstar will work with governments, businesses and the public "to promote good and effective management of the environment" to "preserve the planet for future generations."

As a champion for the environment, Yao will support the United Nations' worldwide efforts to promote conservation and reduce global warming by urging people to plant trees, use energy-efficient light bulbs, harvest and save rain water and protect the environment.

A likely key part of Yao's mission as Environmental Champion will be calling attention to the U.N.'s Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.

To combat global warming and climate change, this program is seeking to get people and nations to plant one billion trees a year and a total of 7 billion by the end of 2009.

Trees are an effective weapon against global warming because they consume the gas carbon dioxide, a leading "greenhouse gas" causing the Earth's atmosphere to warm.

In one year, an average tree inhales 26 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is produced by people burning oil, gasoline, natural gas and coal in cars, homes and factories. One tree then converts that carbon dioxide into enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe for a year.

Make a pledge

Anyone can take part in the Billion Tree Campaign. Individuals, families, school groups, businesses, community organizations or governments can join by making pledges to plant trees at the program Web site, www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign.

People can plant a single tree in a back yard or on a city street or pledge to plant thousands where forests have been cut down or destroyed.

'Thinking green'

The Billion Tree Campaign comes at a time when more and more people are "thinking green" or looking for ways to "live green."

Around the world, businesses and governments are joining individuals to lead the way.

The Philadelphia Eagles football team in the NFL is planting a forest in Pennsylvania in an effort to offset the carbon dioxide it produces traveling to games in jets and buses.

The Police rock group has pledged $1 million from its reunion tour to support New York City's planting program MillionTreesNYC -- and the city government will match the money.

Every contribution helps.

As Yao Ming said last week: "Small actions done by many over a long period of time can bring about positive change. By doing a little now, we can avoid doing a lot later."

Activities:

1. The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign is a worldwide effort to reduce the effects of global warming. The goal, according to the director of the United Nations Environment Programme, is to show that efforts to slow climate change "can take root [through] small but significant acts in our gardens, parks, countryside and rural areas." With family or friends, talk about things people are doing in your community to help the environment. Brainstorm ways you could get involved.

2. When a superstar like Yao Ming gets involved in a cause, people pay attention. In the newspaper, find a well-known person you would like to involve if you were planning a program to help the environment in your community. Write a paragraph explaining why you chose this person.

3. In addition to reducing global warming, tree planting can protect soils, improve water supplies and provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. With family or friends, talk about a place in your community that could benefit from having more trees. Then write a letter to the editor of the newspaper urging your city, town or a community group to plant trees there.

4. Trees help keep the environment healthy. They also inspire artists. In the year 500 BCE, a Chinese poet wrote, "If you are thinking a year ahead, sow a seed. If you are thinking 10 years ahead, plant a tree." Use this saying and the words, photos and stories of the newspaper to create an art collage urging people to plant trees.

Newspapers Plus is written by Hollister Kids