MNN - Mother Nature Network

When he was just 9 years old, Felix Finkbeiner's mind sprouted an idea. He wanted to plant 1 million trees in Germany. Inspired by the example of Wangari Maathai — a Kenyan environmentalist and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped organize the planting of 30 million trees — Felix presented his idea to his school and community. People listened.  

 

Three years later, Germany has an additional 1 million trees, thanks to Felix. But the young eco-activist didn't stop there. Felix launched an organization called Plant for the Planet that is doing work in 70 countries. Their message: Stop talking. Start planting.

 

Today, Felix will bring that no-nonsense message to the United Nations as he addresses the assembly to mark the International Year of Forests. Felix was invited by the U.N. to speak for the children of the world in the hall of the United Nations General Assembly. He hopes to spur those listening to stop talking about environmental problems and start doing something about them — namely planting tees.

 

Felix will also use the speech as an opportunity to call on the children of the world to join in the fight for their future. You can find more info about Felix's speech and a timeline of his events in New York, here.