By David（陈祉豪） from 2301

Hello everyone, I’m David from 2301, I want to show you something truly remarkable.  This leaf may seem small, but it represents something much bigger – the power of trees to sustain life on our planet. Today I'm honored to be here to talk about the incredible importance of planting trees, as tomorrow marks March 12, the the Tree-planting Day, or the so-called Chinese Arbor Day and it's the perfect time to reflect on the significance of trees and why we should all be passionate about planting them.

Planting trees isn't just a tradition; it's a crucial endeavor that benefits our planet and its inhabitants in numerous ways. Firstly, trees are nature's air purifiers. Just like this leaf in my hand, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is vital for us to breathe. By planting more trees, we can clean the air we breathe and create a healthier environment for everyone. Besides, trees are our allies in the fight against climate change. They act as natural carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By planting trees, we can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. Trees are also biodiversity hotspots. They provide homes and food for countless species of plants and animals, helping to support diverse ecosystems. By planting trees, we can protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

As for students like you and me, trees can help boost our mental health while raising our physical health. Spending time in natural environments, such as forests or wooded areas, has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming effect on the mind, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension. A healthy tree can lead to a healthy you and me. Studies show that time in nature - like a walk among the trees in a city park—correlates with a drop in anxiety and depression. You may have felt the benefits from a short walk or hike in your neighborhood. 

Planting trees is something we do together. It lets us take care of our environment and make a positive difference. Whether it's through community events or by doing it ourselves, every tree we plant makes a difference. By doing it, we can deal with climate change, protect the different kinds of animals, and make our lives better.

That's all for my speech. Thanks for listening!