Nina von Kalckreuth
Greta Thunberg has been the most well-known young people for climate protection for almost a year. In addition to Thunberg, there are many other young people who developed creative ideas for environmental protection years ago. The ideas vary from the protection of the trees, oceans to support indigenous peoples for which they have received various awards and distinctions.
Who are these teenagers?
1. Felix Finkbeiner (22 years): Plant for the Planet
In the year 2007, then 9-year-old Felix Finkbeiner founded the "Plant for the Planet" student initiative, which translates as "planting for the planet". Inspired by Wangari Maathai, his goal has since then been to plant one million trees in each country around the world to create a CO2 balance. His "Stop talking, start planting" movement, which shuts many celebrities like Gisele Bündchen or Prince Albert of Monaco, shows he's ready to act on his own when adults do not. Since the million mark in Germany was reached already after three years, he set himself a new goal: One billion trees worldwide are to be plantedWhat would also be possible according to a study from the scientific journal Nature.
2. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (19 years old): Earth Guardians
The young American has been campaigning for years for the protection of the environment and indigenous peoples. During speeches or protests, he addresses among other things the effect of fossil fuels on these communities and also on nature. He was honored in the year 2013 by the former US President Obama with the "US Volunteer Service Award". His mother, Tamara Roske founded the "Earth Guardians" organization - for several years Martinez is the youth leader. Together, they creatively use art, music, stories, and actions to inspire and train young people to participate in movement. Together with other teenagers He filed a lawsuit for the failure of the federal governmentto protect the future generations from the destruction of the environment.
3. Boyan Slat (25 years): The Ocean Cleanup
The Dutch inventor wants free the oceans from plastic waste and has developed a passive system that collects the garbage in the ocean current. The inspiration came during a holiday in Greece, where he got to see more waste as a fish while diving - a now common problem. After a bumpy start, his idea for a Tedx talk was well received and many donations and voluntary supporters resulted. However, the first attempt by the garbage fisherman in the largest garbage whirlpool in the world, the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" failed after just three months. Now a new, simplified version has been made which is supposed to be more adaptable. The first successes were announced in October.
More information and support of the activists:
Plant for the Planet: https://www.plant-for-the-planet.org/de/informieren/idee-ziel
Earth Guardians: https://www.earthguardians.org/xiuhtezcatl
The Ocean Cleanup: https://www.earthguardians.org/xiuhtezcatl
Photo: Plant for Planet
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