In 2007, a remarkable initiative began when Felix Finkbeiner, then only nine years old, planted a tree at his school in Germany. Inspired by the work of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai—who had mobilized women to plant millions of trees—Felix proposed a bold idea: what if children everywhere planted a million trees each? This simple school project has since evolved into a worldwide movement.
From a Classroom Idea to a Global Goal
Nearly two decades later, Felix’s vision has expanded into the organization Plant-for-the-Planet, which now aims to support the restoration of one trillion trees globally. This ambitious target represents a collective effort rather than a mission to physically plant every tree by the foundation itself. The movement’s growth reflects a broader commitment to tackling climate change through reforestation and conservation.
Felix’s early advocacy carried him to the United Nations General Assembly when he was just 13, signaling the global impact of his message. Today, he leads Plant-for-the-Planet’s efforts in restoration and conservation, working closely with the organization’s policy team to promote sustainable environmental practices worldwide.