LEVEL 4 – APTIS - READING PRACTICE

Lesson 2: Matching Headings Homework

Read the text below. Match the headings to the paragraphs 1-7. Write your
answers (A-H). There is one more heading than you need.

A. A ‘cheeky’ and fun global campaign 1. __________

B. Proposals for the future of the world’s climate 2. __________

C. A global youth foundation with a democratic structure 3. __________

D. The beliefs behind the campaign 4. __________

5. __________
E. Becoming an international cause
6. __________
5F. A child’s idea for the planet.
7. __________
G. Planning the campaign
H. Convincing the leaders through actions at large meeting

1. The children's initiative Plant-for-the-Planet, first launched in 2007, was brought to

life by the then 9-year-old Felix Finkbeiner, who felt inspired to take action following
a school report on the climate crisis. While carrying out his research, Felix became
aware of Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai
and her initiative that had led to the planting of 30 million trees over 30 years. By the
time he had finished his research project, Felix had developed his own vision of 1
million trees being planted in each country by children around the world. Felix went
on to other classes and schools to present his report and his vision. Just a few weeks
later, on the 28th of March 2007, the first tree was officially planted.
2. Over the next two years Felix brought the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative to the
world. In June 2008, at the UNEP children’s conference in Norway, Felix presented
his vision. 700 children delegates, from over 105 countries were so inspired that they
voted Felix onto the UNEP Junior Board. Felix has since spoken at many important
environmental and climatic events. In August 2009 at the UNEP Tunza Children and
Youth Conference in Daejeon, South Korea, Plant-for-the-Planet officially progressed
into a global children’s movement. At this time hundreds of children from 56 different
countries committed themselves to join the initiative and work towards planting 1
million trees in their own countries.
3. Of particular importance to the children is the conviction that it is most often
developing countries that are hit hardest by the consequences of climate change. The
children are convinced that a solution for climate justice can only be reached through
the implementation of a binding global treaty. Plant-for-the-Planet children have been
campaigning tirelessly and the children are also taking action themselves by planting
trees. This is viewed both as a practical act, as each tree removes harmful CO2 from
the atmosphere, and as a pivotal symbolic action for climate justice.
4. On May 4th 2010, 45 children from Plant-for-the-Planet, together with
Environmental Ministers from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Turkey and
Mexico planted the one millionth tree in Germany. This planting initiative was held
under the programme heading “Stop Talking. Start Planting”, and took place
alongside the so-called “Petersburg Climate Dialogue” being held in Bonn. This was
also the location where preparations were being made for the climate summit in
Cancun. Together with delegates and important participants in the World Climate
Change Conference COP 16 in Cancun, December 2010, the children planted another
193 trees. Through this action the children were able to demonstrate to the
participating representatives just how important it is that they adopt a global contract
for climate justice.
5. If the children were the government leaders, and had to face the big decisions at the
next climate summit, they would already have a clear plan of action for the future. On
1st July 2010, the children handed over their “3-Point-Plan” to 133 embassies in
Berlin. They also put forward their challenge to the government leaders to reveal their
plans and proposed solutions for the climate crisis and subsequently the procurement
of a safe future. Their plan:
1) Carbon to be shipped to the Museum: Zero emissions by 2050.
2) Climate Justice: If you want more carbon you have to pay for it.
3) Planting Trees: If 500 Million trees were planted every year, this would mean an
additional 5 million tonnes of CO2 could be removed from the atmosphere.
6. The world-wide slogan for Plant-for-the-Planet is “Stop Talking. Start Planting”.
The children are adamant in their belief that talking alone does not achieve results and
that now is the time for action. This slogan has been adapted into an eye-catching
promotion where the children stand along side high profile community members,
holding their hand over the respective community member’s mouth and face. A
number of prominent community members, such as Prince Albert II of Monaco,
Gisele Bundchen and Muhammad Yunus, have already participated.
7. Plant-for-the Planet is set up as a worldwide network. The individual clubs are
represented by a world-wide board of directors. Children everywhere are able to cast
their votes through the internet. The Foundation helps to fund the activities of children
worldwide and the board, with an average age of 12, is probably one of the youngest
foundation boards in the world. The tenure of a board member is one year and re-
election is not allowed. Adults help the children with advice and practical support.