Which of the following would be the best thesis statement for a fifteen-minute speech on preserving the environment? The speech will take place at a town council meeting.

The trees in the park are forty-five years old and provide shade in summer and protection from the elements in winter.

In order to begin reducing pollution, the United States needs to reduce fossil fuel levels by 20 percent in the next five years.

Why is preserving the environment important?

Our town can reduce the need for landfills if we start a recycling program.