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Pre-reading questions:
- What do you know about trees, and why are they important?
- Have you ever planted a tree or seen someone planting a tree? If yes, can you share your experience? If not, what do you think might be involved in planting a tree?
Vocabulary:
- citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/
- climate change /KLAHY-mit cheynj/
- ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/
- nationwide /NEY-shuhn-WAHYD/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/
[noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city
As a proud citizen of her country, Maria enjoys the rights and privileges granted by her nationality.
[noun] – changes in the world’s weather, in particular the fact that it is believed to be getting warmer as a result of human activity increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Scientists are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on the planet’s ecosystems.
[adjective] – having a strong wish to be successful, powerful, or rich
The young entrepreneur had an ambitious plan to launch a groundbreaking technology startup and become a leading figure in the industry.
[adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of a particular country
The nationwide celebration of Independence Day brought people together from all corners of the country.
[noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something
Sarah’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle led her to exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.
Article reading:
This groundbreaking initiative addresses the severe effects of climate change in the Horn of Africa, particularly worsening droughts. To support this nationwide effort, the Kenyan Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Ministry will supply tree seedlings, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fulfilling climate action obligations. Environment Minister Roselinda Soipan Tuya encourages all Kenyans to participate in this ‘hummingbird’ contribution day to protect the environment. President William Ruto, who has been championing the national landscape and ecosystem restoration program since September 2022, has received praise for the initiative, even from King Charles III during his recent visit to Kenya, highlighting the global significance of planting 15 billion trees in the face of the escalating climate change crisis.
Comprehension questions
- Why did Kenya declare a public holiday on November 13?
- What is the current forest cover percentage in Kenya, and what is the government’s goal for the fiscal year?
- What severe effects of climate change does the article mention, particularly in which region?
- Who is encouraging all Kenyans to participate in the ‘hummingbird’ contribution day to protect the environment?
- According to the article, what does the Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme aim to achieve by 2032?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever participated in a community or environmental initiative, like planting trees? If yes, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in joining such activities in the future? Why or why not?
- Do you follow any environmental campaigns or climate action efforts in your country? If yes, what have you learned or observed? If not, would you be interested in staying informed about such initiatives in the future? Why or why not?
- Do you believe initiatives like the tree-planting day in Kenya are effective in addressing climate change?
- Why do you think the article describes the tree-planting initiative as “groundbreaking”? What makes this initiative significant in the context of addressing climate change?
- In your opinion, what challenges might arise in the process of planting and nurturing 15 billion trees by 2032? How could these challenges be addressed, and what impact might they have on the broader goal of combating climate change in Kenya?