Erica Cochran Hameen: Climate Solutions & Equity Go Hand in Hand

• This video explains the connections between climate action and equity.
• Students will learn about ways to improve buildings to make them more sustainable and comfortable, while addressing climate change and equity.

Positives

• This video proposes retrofitting as a way to tackle climate issues in today’s world. 
• It explains the role of engineers and architects in ensuring sustainability and equity.
• It provides discussion questions and links to additional information.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should understand the concept of inequity.
  

Differentiation

• Teachers can use part 2:18-2:47 to describe retrofitting and its importance. 
• This video can be used to teach the importance of a ‘can-do’ attitude. 
• This resource could be used in a social studies class to start a conversation about the realities of inequity and steps that can be taken to bridge the gaps.
• Teachers can use this as a hook to teach students about Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines.
• Part 4:26 could be used in a history class to discuss the effects on Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans.
• Energy poverty is described in this video and teachers can use it to explain the effect of the building environment on the well-being of inhabitants.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.