The City Planting a Million Trees in Two Years
Provided by: TED|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Social Studies, Biology
Authors: Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
Region: Africa
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This TED video features Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr from Sierra Leone, who decided to run for mayor of Freetown and implement a plan to replant one million trees in and around the city during her term in office.
- It begins by describing the changing weather conditions brought about by climate change that have made farming in the region much harder and the increasing migration of people from rural areas to urban centers.
- Students will learn how Freetown's tree planting initiative is designed to get everyone in the community involved and interested in planting and caring for these trees.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This inspiring video will show students how communities can come together to make changes.
- Footage of Freetown adds visual interest to the video.
Additional Prerequisites
- Before watching the video, teachers may wish to share some information about Sierra Leone and have students locate the country on a map or globe.
- Students can find updated information on Freetown's tree planting project on the Freetown City Council's website.
Differentiation
- This video would be a great inspirational video to kick off a service project or planning meeting for a tree planting project.
- Earth science and biology classes could identify the ways that planting trees can help to stabilize the soil, balance the water cycle, filter the air, filter the water, provide shade for people, reduce urban temperatures during heat waves, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Other resources on this topic include this animated video on the benefits of urban trees, this art-centered SubjectToClimate lesson plan on deforestation and habitat destruction, and this TED-Ed video on what would happen if we cut down all of a city's trees.
The video highlights the importance of tree planting, one of the options in responding to climate change. It is also suitable in engaging students for climate activism and environmental justice.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
