In this English-language lesson, students explore the global role of forests in climate protection, with a focus on reforestation initiatives and afforestation movements such as the Green Belt Movement (Kenya), Plant-for-the-Planet (global), and the Great Green Wall (Sahel). Inspired by the format of the TV show „Sharktank,“ students take on the roles of project initiators who seek funding from a global jury (teacher/s).
The teacher opens a discussion with the following question: Can planting trees save the world? Why/why not? Students respond with thumbs up/thumbs down. Arguments in favour and against reforestation as climate change mitigation are collected.
The teacher provides a short input: Deforestation accounts for around 10 per cent of global CO2 emissions (www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/land, last accessed on 09/15/2025). Forests cover about 30 per cent of the Earth’s land surface (https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8642en, last accessed on 09/15/2025). Reforestation can help, but it depends on the context and long-term care.
The class is divided into 5 groups. Each group represents one reforestation or afforestation project and receives a short info text about the origin, country, founder, goals, environmental and social impact, and specific challenges (M1). If necessary, the students are allowed to use the internet to research more facts about their project. The groups prepare a pitch (max. duration of 2 mins.) to convince the „climate investor panel“ (one or more teachers) that the project deserves further funding. The presentation includes answers to the following questions:
- What is your project about?
- What makes it special?
- Why is it effective?
- What are its ecological, social, and economic benefits?
- What are the benefits for the investors when funding a reforestation project?
One by one, the groups present their pitch to the class and one or more “investors” (e.g. invited teachers). The goal is to convince at least one member of the jury to invest. After every presentation, the jury announces the decision.
In the end, the students reflect on the following questions:
- What makes a reforestation project truly sustainable and impactful?
- What are the most common challenges regarding the realization of such projects?
Kompetenzorientierte Lernziele
The students assess the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of planting trees.
The students compare and present various reforestation projects in a global context.
The students practice concise and persuasive pitching in English.
The students reflect critically the opportunities and limits of reforestation as a climate solution.
Quellen
Umweltdachverband (2025): HolzBOX. Ein aktivierender Einstieg in Holz, Wald & Nachhaltigkeit. In: eLABoration Wood. Fachhochschule Salzburg.
