(John Mcilwaine/united Nations) - Felix Finkbeiner talks to the United Nations about his tree-planting program.
Can children change the world? Felix Finkbeiner, 13, from Munich, Germany, believes so. And he's telling kids how - in places as big and imposing as the United Nations and as comfortable as the German School Washington, D.C.
In 2007, then 9-year-old Felix, along with his family, got the idea to plant 1 million trees as a way to help save the environment. By the time he was 12, his organization, Plant for the Planet, had accomplished that goal.
Earlier this month, Felix spoke to the United Nations in New York to kick off the International Year of the Forests.
A day later, he took his message to the German School in Potomac. He told a group of about 150 students that saving the environment must be a huge priority, because "for us children, it's a question of survival."
When Felix asked the students how many would like to join his efforts to plant trees that can help absorb carbon dioxide emissions, the crowd rushed toward him, inspired by his call to "Stop Talking. Start Planting."
"This is the greatest thing in the whole world! I've always wanted to be a part of such such a worldwide effort. Can we do this here?" asked 15-year-old Valerie Huber.
Felix's goal now is to plant 1 trillion trees by 2050.
Do you have a simple idea that can make a real difference in the world? Send ideas to kidspost@washpost.com. Include your name, age, home town and phone number; we'll publish some world-changing ideas in KidsPost.
SuperFan Badge
SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.
Culture Connoisseur Badge
Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.
Fact Checker Badge
Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.
Washingtologist Badge
Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.
Post Writer Badge
This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.
Post Forum Badge
Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.
Weather Watcher Badge
Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.
World Watcher Badge
World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.
Post Contributor Badge
This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.
Post Recommended
Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.
You must be logged in to report a comment.
You must be logged in to recommend a comment.
Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.
All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.
To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.
The Post Most: LifestyleMost-viewed stories,videos, and galleries in the past two hours
Post Newsletters & Alerts
Sign-up for e-mail newsletters and alerts and get the news you need delivered directly to your inbox.
Get paid for your H I P I M P L A N T troubles.>>Amy Dickinson
_1337038921.jpg)
Elizabeth Lesly Stevens
More ways to get us
Loading...
Comments