Planting Trees Protects Both Climate and Culture
Podcasts
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10Biology, Geography
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Our Living Lands
What it is
- This 5-minute radio segment reports on the Chickasaw Nation in southern Oklahoma, where planting trees is used to combat climate change while also passing Chickasaw culture down to the next generation.
- It features Jennie Mosely, the Chickasaw Nation’s Sustainability Director, who reflects on how lessons from her father about honoring and caring for the land—land her ancestors fought to keep—guide her work today.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this short segment to introduce the connection between Indigenous-led climate solutions and cultural preservation.
- Pair the audio with a class discussion or written reflection on how caring for the land can serve both ecological goals, such as addressing climate change, and cultural goals, such as honoring ancestors.
Extensions:
- Have students investigate tree-planting or reforestation efforts in their own region and compare the motivations and goals to those described in the segment.
- Use this lesson plan about Wangari Maathai and The Green Belt Movement to illustrate another example of how tree-planting can restore ecosystems while empowering the communities that depend on them.
From the scientist review
This news audio clip discusses how the Chickasaw Nation plants native trees to both combat climate change and preserve and pass down their culture. The clip highlights the importance of these trees to the local environment and to the Chickasaws' history and culture. It serves as an example of how humans are connected to the environment. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on boisestatepublicradio.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
