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Chapter 6 Climate education for the public

technology. The core mechanism of the app is: users accumulate “green energy” through dai-
ly activities (such as walking, online payments, bike-sharing, etc.). When the energy reaches
a certain value, users can choose to plant a real tree in the physical world. This innovative
interactive approach not only allows users to perceive the direct environmental impact of in-
dividual actions but also amplifies the influence of climate action through the integration of
social media and mobile applications.
(1) User Participation Mechanism
“Ant Forest” motivates users through simple daily behaviors. For example, users
receive corresponding green energy for achieving specific step counts or using Alipay for
low-carbon consumption (e.g., online payments, bike-sharing). This mechanism not only
highlights the convenience of eco-friendly actions but also enhances user engagement and
accomplishment through gamified design.
(2) Data Visualization and Transparency
Users can monitor their green energy accumulation in real-time through “Ant Forest”
and understand how these energy points translate into actual tree-planting initiatives. Alipay
collaborates with public welfare organizations to convert user energy into real afforestation
projects, such as planting windbreak and sand-fixation forests in desertification-prone areas
of China. Users can also view the real-world locations and growth status of their planted
trees through the app. This transparent feedback mechanism significantly enhances user trust
and participation motivation.
(3) Social Media Propagation Effect
“Ant Forest” utilizes social media sharing features (e.g., WeChat, Weibo) to enable
users to showcase their environmental achievements. For instance, users can share their
planted tree counts or earned environmental badges in social media circles, encouraging
more people to join the “Ant Forest” initiative. This social propagation effect not only
amplifies the program’s influence but has also attracted hundreds of millions of participants
through word-of-mouth dissemination.
(4) World’s Largest Individual Participation Afforestation Project
As of 2023, “Ant Forest” has planted over 500 million trees in China, covering multiple
ecologically fragile areas such as desertified regions in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Qinghai.
This achievement not only demonstrates the tremendous potential of digital platforms in
climate action, but also provides a replicable model of green initiatives for other countries
worldwide.ity, but also provides a replicable green action model for other countries globally.
2.Case Two:On DouyinClimate Short Videos
Douyin, asa short video platform, has become a crucial channel for younger generations
to engage in climate action through its powerful dissemination capabilities and user base.
Environmental organizations and ordinary users amplify the voice of climate action by shar-
ing climate knowledge and environmental initiatives through short videos.

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