This video from Kurzgesagt evaluates the causes of our increasing global carbon footprint, using graphs and real-world examples to discuss each factor in-depth.
Population size and economic growth are identified as factors that can increase carbon emissions, while energy intensity and emissions per energy unit produced may help decrease carbon emissions.
This video clearly states the need to stop using fossil fuels as soon as possible.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video uses animation to make complicated topics more easy to understand.
The science and the social elements of climate change are discussed, along with potential solutions.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the metric system and graphs.
Some economic concepts are discussed, so students should be familiar with what subsidies, incentives, and return on investment mean.
There are advertisements before and/or during the video.
Differentiation
This video could be used for a class discussion about the solutions to climate change. Students could make lists adding to factors that cause climate change and the factors that help stop it.
Social studies classes could research other social solutions to climate change, such as how increasing gender equality and access to education and healthcare could help fight climate change.
The resource underscores the importance of coal divestment and transition to a carbon-free world using technology and innovation. It considers the need to reduce carbon footprints through consuming energy from efficient and renewable sources. Datasets and sources are credible and accurate, thus, the resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
English Language Arts
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
7.SL.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
Science
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
8.ESS3.4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.
HS.ESS3.4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Social Sciences
Economics (K-8)
7.8 Examine how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.