Climate change is
one of the top issues concerning U.S. girls, particularly teens.
In response, we’re tapping our powerful network of girls and adults to
unite to work toward a solution.
With support from the Elliott
Wildlife Values Project, American
Forests, and SciStarter,
GSUSA is launching the Girl
Scout Tree Promise, a national protection initiative to plant 5
million trees across the United States by 2026. Fueled by their
passion for protecting and preserving our planet, Girl Scouts
throughout the country will lead these efforts as well as educate the
public about why trees are such an imperative piece of the climate
change solution.
And that’s not all! All good stewards of
the environment know that it’s not enough just to plant a tree – Girl
Scouts will continue their good work by protecting and honoring the
trees they planted as well as the existing tree cover. Our friends at
SciStarter have developed a Tree Promise Citizen Science page. Girl
Scouts can support scientists from around the globe who are collecting
data to help save trees and our planet!
Natural climate solutions, especially reforestation and planting
trees, can provide 37% of the climate pollution reductions needed
through 2030 to stabilize global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. In
May 2019, the United Nations reported that biodiversity is declining
faster than any other time in human history, signifying that a change
needs to be made to reverse these effects. By planting and protecting
5 million trees, Girl Scouts will not only help provide habitats for
wildlife but also help eliminate over 2 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide—the equivalent of the annual carbon emissions from 425,000
cars or 239,000 homes or charging 255 billion smartphones.
Drawing from the national and local power of Girl Scouts
countrywide, the initiative will engage scientists, outdoor
enthusiasts, local and state governments, faith communities, and many
others to lead like a Girl Scout and take action to protect and plant
trees. The
Girl Scout Tree Promise will educate girls and the public on the
science behind trees' value to the ecosystem, as well as enrich their
experience outdoors. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute
study, Girl
Scouts Soar in the Outdoors, exposing girls to new and
challenging outdoor experiences enhances their confidence while
helping them engage responsibly with nature and build environmental stewardship.
Everyone (Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts) who plants a tree can
record their good deeds through our
online tree tracker. Participants will also be able to unlock a
special Tree
Promise patch that they can wear with pride.
As
Girl Scouts, we pride ourselves on taking action. That’s why in
addition to launching the Girl Scout Tree Promise, we’re excited to
join the US Chapter @1t.org and the #TrillionTrees community to create
healthy and resilient forests for future generations. Learn more about
our pledge to #ConserveRestoreGrow here.
Get started
planting, protecting, and honoring the trees in your community
today! Make
your promise now.
Join the conversation on social
media using #GirlScoutTreePromise
