Beijing, 10 June, 2010——Bayer (China) Limited, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China, People’s Government of Haidian District has launched its first children’s cartoon book about global warming: “WHAT’S UP WITH THE EARTH? - THE MYSTERY OF EARLY SPRING”. As part of the “Seeding for Green” program conducted in 2009, this book seeks to educate children about the need for environmental protection, and give more hope to earth’s guardians of the future.

“Children are our future, and we must win the fight to educate about environmental protection at the starting point. This children’s book plays a significant role in inspiring children’s to take 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 launching ceremony. Mr. Koenig, President of Bayer Group for Greater China, donated books to Yuying school. Meanwhile, he also called on the guests and students present at the ceremony: “The promotion of this book will not be possible without great support from various circles of society. We expect more people to willingly join us as ambassadors to promote this book, and share their knowledge with more classmates, friends and families.”

Focusing on the environment and educating the youth about how to protect it have been the consistent focus of Bayer group over one hundred years. 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.

Human activity is the main reason for climate change, so we truly need to take courage and action to make certain changes, and education is the key to make these changes happen. This children’s book, “THE MYSTERY OF EARLY SPRING,” emerged from this idea. It brings knowledge of global warming, the changes in our climate and low-carbon living to 6 -12 year old children. Through experiencing, participating in and combining various subjects, it teaches children the reasons and basic laws of climate change, and helps them learn to respect nature. Education on sustainable development can strengthen their understanding of ecological knowledge, as well as  the impact of climate change on our planet’s ecosystems. Thus, the book hopes to push them to form a low-carbon living concept early on in their childhoods.

Launching this children’s book reflects Bayer’s hopes for the future, and also enjoys great support from various stations of society. Children and teachers who have read the book are fond of the colorful, imaginative paintings. Li-Hsian Choo, Natasha Wong and Chin Pik Wun, the book’s authors, also sent their best wishes through an email: “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."

The book’s first printing will comprise 30,000 volumes both in Chinese and English. All books will be distributed, downloaded or otherwise obtained through various public channels such as partners, media and public libraries. Bayer also plans to present this book as a gift to libraries of various green schools, and schools for children of migrant workers in different areas for free.