CFR Education: Climate Change Inequality
Provided by: Council on Foreign Relations|Published on: September 14, 2023|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, Civics, Geography
Authors: CFR Education
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this section, students learn about some of the inequalities associated with climate change, with an emphasis on differences in lived experiences and how a warmer climate affects people and regions differently.
- An infographic "cartoon" compares the experiences of two individuals that live in very different climates and economic conditions.
- This is the eleventh section of the World 101 Climate Change module and includes a linked lesson plan for the climate effects sections of the module and discussion guide for higher education classes.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This resource does a great job of showing students a different way to inform others or communicate a message.
- The infographics give readers the statistics to explain the reasoning behind their cartoon panels.
Additional Prerequisites
- There are a few questions in the discussion guide that reference this specific section, however, the lesson plan is for all of the climate effects sections of the module.
- Students should understand what climate change is and how humans are contributing to climate change.
Differentiation
- Students can research other aspects of inequality and climate change, such as the inability to recuperate or relocate when a weather event threatens to displace citizens.
- Students can create their own informative piece using comics or any other medium that is preferred to display and communicate a different disparity related to climate change.
- Students can discuss solutions to help address the inequalities that have come about as a result of climate change. Have them explore this Table of Solutions and identify all of the individual actions.
This resource from the Council on Foreign Relations addresses the uneven distribution of climate change impacts, both spatially and by income. A cartoon shows two people going about their day; one in a relatively affluent, colder climate and one in a poorer community facing extreme heat. This cartoon shows (in a relatable way) how both wealth and geography can play a huge role in how a person experiences climate change. This resource also includes a lesson plan with a slideshow and discussion questions. This resource features clear text, great graphics, and a clear focus on climate inequality. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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