The Disarming Case to Act Right Now on Climate Change
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Science, Civics
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 →
Provided by TEDx
What it is
- In this TEDx video, Greta Thunberg explains why she walked out of school and organized a strike compelling listeners to take urgent action to address climate change.
- Students will learn about greenhouse gas emissions, the 2015 Paris Agreement, extinction rates, and other issues surrounding this sustainability crisis.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video is a compelling and emotional wake-up call urging immediate action.
- Greta Thunberg is relatable to students as she is a young person who talks about how climate issues impact her own future.
]Prerequisites
- This video has a highlighted transcript and subtitles available in 37 languages.
- It may help students to have familiarity with the Paris Agreement.
- Greta discusses her diagnosis with Asberger Syndrome and her period of anorexia, which may need to be addressed with students.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Language Arts classes can engage in writing tasks where students are asked to write reflection papers, citing the aspects of the video that they found to be most influential and inspiring.
- Cross-curricular connections can be made in social studies classes as students do a deeper dive into the Paris Agreement and research civics and equity issues that surround this treaty.
- Greta Thunberg claims that the climate crisis has already been solved. This interactive table of climate solutions from Project Drawdown lists solutions with their potential abilities to reduce global emissions.
- Other resources on this topic include this video which is an apology to future generations and this podcast which pieces together interviews about global solutions to climate problems.
From the scientist review
This is an inspiring piece, calling on everyone to take urgent climate action. Climate scientists have already provided accurate data on the climate system. It is now imperative to take actions for a better and sustainable planet. This video is recommended for teaching.
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