Experts argue education is key to bringing about changes in human activity to halt climate change.

Michael Koenig (second from right), president of Bayer Group for Greater China, studies an environmentally-friendly themed work of art by pupils at a primary school in Shanghai. Focusing on the environment and educating the young about how to protect the environment has been a core aim of Bayer for more than 100 years. [China Daily]

To this end, Bayer (China) Limited has launched a children's cartoon book about global warming called What's Up With The Earth - The Mystery Of Early Spring.

It brings knowledge of global warming, the changes in climate and low-carbon living to children aged six to 12 years.

Through experiencing, participating in and combining various subjects, the cartoon book aims to tell children the reasons for and basic laws of climate change and helps them learn to respect nature.

There was an initial print run of 30,000 copies, both in Chinese and English. All books will be distributed or downloaded through various public channels such as Bayer's partners, the media and public libraries. Bayer also plans to present this book as a gift to the libraries of various green schools, as well as schools for children of migrant workers in different areas free of charge.

"Children are our future and we must win the battle by educating children about environmental protection at the starting point. This children's book plays a significant role in inspiring children to take an interest in their surroundings, arousing their wonderful emotions to respect nature, and fostering the habits of low-carbon living in them from childhood on," Jia Feng, deputy director of the Publicity and Education Department of the MEP, said at the launch ceremony.

Michael Koenig, president of Bayer Group for Greater China, called on the public and children to pay more attention to green issues. "The promotion of this book will not be possible without great support from various circles of society. We expect more people to voluntarily join us as ambassadors to promote this book and share their knowledge with more classmates, friends and families," he said.

Focusing on the environment and educating the young about how to protect it has been a core purpose of the world top-500 company for more than 100 years, it said.

"From Germany to China, even worldwide, from schools to communities, this concept has penetrated into many Bayer environment protection and corporate responsibility projects. The launching of this book fully reflects the cares and thoughts of Bayer and the author on the environment and early childhood education," said Koenig.

Education on sustainable development can strengthen understanding of ecological knowledge, as well as the impact of climate change on our planet's ecosystems. In this way the book hopes to push them to form a low-carbon living concept early on in their childhoods, said its authors, Li-Hsian Choo, Natasha Wong and Chin Pik Wun.

"Global warming is one of the most important issues we will face in our lifetime. It is heartening to see responsible corporations such as Bayer tackle the problem head on, with an illustrated book that educates, motivates and empowers the youth of today to make a difference," they said.

Children and teachers of Yuying School in Beijing and Hengde Primary School in Shanghai, who have received the book donated by Bayer and read it, said they really like the colorful, imaginative paintings.

Bayer is a global enterprise engaged in health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. In the fiscal year 2009, Bayer employed 108,400 people and had sales of 31.2 billion euros ($38.63 billion). Capital expenditure amounted to 1.7 billion euros, while research and development expenses cost 2.75 billion euros.

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