Creative Teaching & Learning

Climate Change

Is the human race responsible for climate change in the twentieth and twenty–first centuries? Sue Duncan Don McNiven and Chris Savory suggest a classroom enquiry to develop pupils' critical thinking

Create an account to read this article

£5.83+ VAT

One-off purchase

Purchase and Download today

Register for free

No Credit Card required

Register for free
Access to 3 free articles
Free TeachingTimes Report every month

array(8) {
  ["distinct_key"]=>
  string(10) "post#87742"
  ["title"]=>
  string(37) "Climate Change : Retro-fitting Houses"
  ["categories"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(18) "Climate Curriculum"
  }
  ["url"]=>
  string(50) "https://www.teachingtimes.com/retrofitting-houses/"
  ["post_date_timestamp"]=>
  int(1594744575)
  ["objectID"]=>
  string(12) "post-87742-1"
  ["_snippetResult"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(97) "Global warming will not be addressed without attending to the buildings that house human beings. "
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(336) "... your information you need to plan your presentation. Bear these questions in mind:Why are low-carbon buildings important?How could they contribute to solving climate change?How could low carbon, energy creating buildings improve the lives of people and benefit the economy? (think about job creation as well)NB ..."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
    }
  }
  ["_highlightResult"]=>
  array(6) {
    ["title"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(55) "Climate Change : Retro-fitting Houses"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["author"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(3) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(8) "Sue Lyle"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "none"
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(0) {
        }
      }
    }
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(3) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(97) "Global warming will not be addressed without attending to the buildings that house human beings. "
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(0) {
      }
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(902) "implementing this solution. Research question:What will happen if we don’t have low carbon houses? Brainstorm your ideas – be creative. You need persuasive arguments for your presentation. Your PresentationNow you have done your research and gathered your information you need to plan your presentation. Bear these questions in mind:Why are low-carbon buildings important?How could they contribute to solving climate change?How could low carbon, energy creating buildings improve the lives of people and benefit the economy? (think about job creation as well)NB Make sure you talk about Holistic Sustainability. That means stress how your project would be good for the environment, the economy and for social life. Remember you have a maximum of 10 minutes for your presentation. Be sure to use scientific facts to support your arguments.  Good luck!"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["categories"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(27) "Climate Curriculum"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(7) "partial"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(false)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(1) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
        }
      }
    }
    ["tags"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(32) "Climate Change"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "full"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(true)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(2) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
          [1]=>
          string(6) "change"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Climate Curriculum

Climate Change : Retro-fitting Houses

14 Jul 2020

array(8) {
  ["distinct_key"]=>
  string(10) "post#87733"
  ["title"]=>
  string(47) "Climate Change: Land Use And Re-Wilding Britain"
  ["categories"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(18) "Climate Curriculum"
  }
  ["url"]=>
  string(58) "https://www.teachingtimes.com/land-use-re-wilding-britain/"
  ["post_date_timestamp"]=>
  int(1594744177)
  ["objectID"]=>
  string(12) "post-87733-1"
  ["_snippetResult"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(136) "Biodiversity describes all the genes, species and populations of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other organisms in any given area."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(354) "... have wild natural forests and animals for understanding our links to the ecosystem? Why is changing the way we use our land important to combat climate change?How will rewilding contribute to solving climate change and its effects?NB Make sure you talk about Holistic Sustainability. That means stress how ..."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
    }
  }
  ["_highlightResult"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["title"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(65) "Climate Change: Land Use And Re-Wilding Britain"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["author"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(3) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(8) "Sue Lyle"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "none"
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(0) {
        }
      }
    }
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(3) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(136) "Biodiversity describes all the genes, species and populations of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other organisms in any given area."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(0) {
      }
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(1105) "questions below. Why is rewilding important?What will happen if we don’t rewild some of our land? What are the social, economic and environmental advantages/disadvantages?Your PresentationNow you have done your research and gathered your information you need to plan your presentation. Bear these questions in mind:What are the advantages of rewilding parts of Britain with natural forests and species that used to flourish here? What do you think is the advantage/disadvantage of bringing back complex biodiversity? For animals? For people? Does it matter whether or not we have wild natural forests and animals for understanding our links to the ecosystem? Why is changing the way we use our land important to combat climate change?How will rewilding contribute to solving climate change and its effects?NB Make sure you talk about Holistic Sustainability. That means stress how your project would be good for the environment, the economy and for social life. Be sure to use scientific facts to support your arguments.  Good luck!"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["categories"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(27) "Climate Curriculum"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(7) "partial"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(false)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(1) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Climate Curriculum

Climate Change: Land Use And Re-Wilding Britain

14 Jul 2020

array(8) {
  ["distinct_key"]=>
  string(10) "post#87726"
  ["title"]=>
  string(29) "Climate Change: Active Travel"
  ["categories"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(14) "Climate Change"
    [1]=>
    string(18) "Climate Curriculum"
  }
  ["url"]=>
  string(44) "https://www.teachingtimes.com/active-travel/"
  ["post_date_timestamp"]=>
  int(1594743785)
  ["objectID"]=>
  string(12) "post-87726-1"
  ["_snippetResult"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(105) "Active travel could bring health benefits through increasing physical activity and reducing air pollution"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(335) "... information you need to plan your presentation. Bear these questions in mind:Why is developing active travel so important?How will it contribute to solving climate change?NB Make sure you talk about Holistic Sustainability. That means stress how your project would be good for the environment, the economy and ..."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
    }
  }
  ["_highlightResult"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["title"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(47) "Climate Change: Active Travel"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["author"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(3) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(8) "Sue Lyle"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "none"
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(0) {
        }
      }
    }
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(3) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(105) "Active travel could bring health benefits through increasing physical activity and reducing air pollution"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(0) {
      }
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(1345) "together and discuss the following questions based on your research: What are the advantages of active travel?How can we increase use of public transport?How do we encourage people to cycle? How do we encourage people to walk? What are the implications of active travel for public transport, housing development and planning?[Hint the Sustrans website has an active travel toolkit on this]What are the risks of not increasing active travel?Why Is Active Travel So Important? Having done your research do you think active travel is important? How will you sell this to the panel? Remember you need to consider the economical, social and environmental impacts of this solution – you will need to think out of the box and consider the possible impacts of implementing this solution and consequences of not implementing it. Your PresentationNow you have done your research and gathered your information you need to plan your presentation. Bear these questions in mind:Why is developing active travel so important?How will it contribute to solving climate change?NB Make sure you talk about Holistic Sustainability. That means stress how your project would be good for the environment, the economy and for social life. Be sure to use research evidence to support your arguments.  Good luck!"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["categories"]=>
    array(2) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(32) "Climate Change"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "full"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(true)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(2) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
          [1]=>
          string(6) "change"
        }
      }
      [1]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(27) "Climate Curriculum"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(7) "partial"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(false)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(1) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Climate Change

Climate Change: Active Travel

14 Jul 2020

array(8) {
  ["distinct_key"]=>
  string(10) "post#87722"
  ["title"]=>
  string(72) "Climate Change: Dragon’s Den Briefing For Each Of The Six Case Studies"
  ["categories"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(14) "Climate Change"
    [1]=>
    string(18) "Climate Curriculum"
  }
  ["url"]=>
  string(84) "https://www.teachingtimes.com/dragons-den-briefing-for-each-of-the-six-case-studies/"
  ["post_date_timestamp"]=>
  int(1594743134)
  ["objectID"]=>
  string(12) "post-87722-0"
  ["_snippetResult"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(140) "Each of the six case studies written for the ‘Dragon’s Den’ challenge need the same introduction to set the scene for their research. "
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(368) "... economic and social benefit. This approach is known as Holistic Sustainability. Global warming is therefore an opportunity and an invitation to build, innovate and effect change. Combating climate change can awaken creativity, compassion and genius – it has the potential to create jobs for the future that will benefit all of ..."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
    }
  }
  ["_highlightResult"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["title"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(90) "Climate Change: Dragon’s Den Briefing For Each Of The Six Case Studies"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["author"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(3) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(8) "Sue Lyle"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "none"
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(0) {
        }
      }
    }
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(3) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(140) "Each of the six case studies written for the ‘Dragon’s Den’ challenge need the same introduction to set the scene for their research. "
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "none"
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(0) {
      }
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(4072) "Each of the six case studies written for the ‘Dragon’s Den’ challenge need the same introduction to set the scene for their research. The following should be given to all groups alongside the specific brief for each of the proposed solutions to climate change in the UK. The solutions are as follows:Active TravelRewildingLand Use: Growing Energy and FuelLand Use: Changing DietsLand Use: Changing FarmingRetrofitting HousesIt is hard to live in the world and not be aware of Global Warming and Climate Change. Global warming is the gradual rise in the earth’s temperature caused by high levels of Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Some gases in the Earth’s atmosphere stop heat radiating into space from the Earth causing the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gases are methane, water vapour and carbon dioxide which are emitted mainly through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal), solid waste, and trees and wood products. Global warming leads to Climate change which is a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet’s weather patterns or average temperatures which is bad news for people and planet. We are all familiar with the doom and gloom scenarios about what will happen to planet and people as climate change accelerates. The serious impacts on the world’s water systems through more flooding and drought; the impact on agriculture and our capacity to grow food; how rises in sea levels will affect three-quarters of the world’s mega cities which are by the sea and 40% of the world’s people who live within 80 miles of the sea. What can we do? First we need to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere – power down. Second we need to find alternatives to fossil fuels to power our lives -– power up. Finally we need to drawdown the greenhouse gases we have already produced out of the atmosphere and into the earth – carbon extraction. Fortunately we already know how we can do all of these things. We can power down by reducing emissions in lots of ways. We already have the technology to power up our world using renewable energy. And we have a great natural system for drawing down greenhouse gases – the trees and green plants of the world drawdown carbon dioxide and in return give us oxygen. There are other carbon extraction methods which are more experimental that scientists are working on. Solutions to Global WarmingWe have to move to a carbon neutral economy as fast as we can – we need a Zero Carbon Britain. This means transforming the ways we travel, the homes we live in, the food we eat, how we generate electricity, and how we use our land. Our science team has come up with 6 ways that we can adopt to help solve global warming. Today you will work in teams on ONE of these proposed solutions. The SuggestionsThe suggested solutions have been well researched and cover many aspects of human life that influence global warming including electricity generation, food production, buildings and cities, land use, transport and materials. All are important and all offer opportunities for creating a New Green Industrial Revolution. And furthermore, all of the solutions suggested are ‘no regrets solutions’ – the actions recommended make sense regardless of their climate impact since they have intrinsic benefits to communities, economies and the environment in multiple ways. They will produce jobs, improve health, eliminate hunger, prevent pollution and restore the environment. Any good solution has to be considered for its environmental, economic and social benefit. This approach is known as Holistic Sustainability. Global warming is therefore an opportunity and an invitation to build, innovate and effect change. Combating climate change can awaken creativity, compassion and genius – it has the potential to create jobs for the future that will benefit all of humankind. "
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["categories"]=>
    array(2) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(32) "Climate Change"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "full"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(true)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(2) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
          [1]=>
          string(6) "change"
        }
      }
      [1]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(27) "Climate Curriculum"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(7) "partial"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(false)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(1) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Climate Change

Climate Change: Dragon’s Den Briefing For Each Of The Six Case Studies

14 Jul 2020

array(8) {
  ["distinct_key"]=>
  string(10) "post#87716"
  ["title"]=>
  string(32) "Climate Change on Dragon’s Den"
  ["categories"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(14) "Climate Change"
    [1]=>
    string(18) "Climate Curriculum"
  }
  ["url"]=>
  string(60) "https://www.teachingtimes.com/climate-change-on-dragons-den/"
  ["post_date_timestamp"]=>
  int(1594742813)
  ["objectID"]=>
  string(12) "post-87716-0"
  ["_snippetResult"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(146) "Young people are worried about the climate emergency; many are suffering from eco-anxiety and teachers are often not sure how to respond."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(7) "partial"
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(2) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(307) "... as a way to involve the young people in conversations about what the future might look like if we make the changes necessary to mitigate climate change. Some young people feel betrayed and abandoned by adults and it is important for them to know that many adults are working really ..."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
    }
  }
  ["_highlightResult"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["title"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(50) "Climate Change on Dragon’s Den"
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["author"]=>
    array(1) {
      [0]=>
      array(3) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(8) "Sue Lyle"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "none"
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(0) {
        }
      }
    }
    ["excerpt"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(146) "Young people are worried about the climate emergency; many are suffering from eco-anxiety and teachers are often not sure how to respond."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(7) "partial"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(1) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
      }
    }
    ["content"]=>
    array(4) {
      ["value"]=>
      string(3488) "Young people are worried about the climate emergency; many are suffering from eco-anxiety and teachers are often not sure how to respond. The case studies here are designed to present a different approach to the gloom and doom that is often prevalent in the media – more a case of gloom and bloom. The work is designed as a way to involve the young people in conversations about what the future might look like if we make the changes necessary to mitigate climate change. Some young people feel betrayed and abandoned by adults and it is important for them to know that many adults are working really hard on researching and implementing the changes we need to make. Now more than ever young people have access to information about the world and have many research skills. The case studies have been prepared by scientists and educators to guide students into the solutions.  Each case study has a research briefing that provides links to trustworthy and reliable YouTube videos and other online sources of information. Together the case studies convey a feeling of hope for the future which all of us need in the face of the climate emergency. Working with partners from RICE (Reducing Industrial Carbon Emissions) we devised a one-day conference for the Youth Councils of Wales to give young people some sense of hope that we do have the knowledge, understanding, skills and capacity to become Zero Carbon in Britain and that we can implement the ideas discussed here to help mitigate the climate catastrophe. Teachers can choose to replicate a one-day conference with young people as we did, or each case-study can be a stand-alone activity that can be completed as part of classroom lessons. The content would fit well with geography, science, English, social studies, business studies or media studies. Each proposed solution to the climate emergency has links to YouTube videos for research and some online publications (see each of the briefs). We downloaded all the videos in advance onto laptops to ensure there were no problems in finding the resources needed to complete the challenge on the day. Each group had a maximum of 10 minutes for their presentation. Using the materials for a one-day conferenceOur conference was attended by 70 young people, aged 14-18, from Youth Councils across Wales. We prepared six case studies to illustrate some of the changes that can be made in the UK if we are to rise to the climate emergency. We considered different aspects of land use, travel and housing. We put the young people into 6 groups and each group were given a research brief (see below). During the morning they completed the research as guided on the brief and created a presentation of their proposed solution for a ‘Dragon’s Den’ team. Each presentation was judged on its persuasiveness and how well it demonstrated Holistic Sustainability – that means emphasising how the proposed solution is good for the environment, the economy and social life. Taken together the six case studies give a good understanding of how we need to transform our way of life if we are to meet the demand for Zero Carbon Britain.To see the young people talking about their experience of the day see: The video was made by William Gold who supports the RICE project. supports the RICE project. Contact him on Twitter @wgoldstories or email wgoldstories@gmail.com for information about RICE."
      ["matchLevel"]=>
      string(4) "full"
      ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
      bool(false)
      ["matchedWords"]=>
      array(2) {
        [0]=>
        string(7) "climate"
        [1]=>
        string(6) "change"
      }
    }
    ["categories"]=>
    array(2) {
      [0]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(32) "Climate Change"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(4) "full"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(true)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(2) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
          [1]=>
          string(6) "change"
        }
      }
      [1]=>
      array(4) {
        ["value"]=>
        string(27) "Climate Curriculum"
        ["matchLevel"]=>
        string(7) "partial"
        ["fullyHighlighted"]=>
        bool(false)
        ["matchedWords"]=>
        array(1) {
          [0]=>
          string(7) "climate"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Climate Change

Climate Change on Dragon’s Den

14 Jul 2020