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Unit 1: Introduction to Climate Change

Teaching Tools

Climate change—the evidence of it and the news about it—surround us on a daily basis. How can we effectively evaluate information about climate change to more fully understand the causes, impacts, and solutions?

Lesson 1.1

Understanding Climate Change
There’s no simple definition for climate change, but a shared understanding is crucial to addressing it. Exploring what climate change means is the first step to addressing it.

Lesson 1.2

Climate Disagreement
If the scientific community agrees that climate change is real, why do some people deny it? Investigate why there’s so much disagreement about climate change.

Lesson 1.3

The Case for Climate Optimism
When all the news about climate change is doom and despair, is there any reason for hope? Examine different perspectives to determine if optimism is justified.

Lesson 1.4

International Climate Goals
Can international priorities and policies help—or hinder—climate action? Evaluate what’s worked and what hasn’t to think about a better path forward.

Featured Materials

Small Parts, Big Impacts
Infographic

Small Parts, Big Impacts

Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing the concentration of CO2 and other gases in the atmosphere. This infographic dives into the big impacts that even small changes can have.
Data Exploration: How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?
Article

Data Exploration: How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?

In this article, you’ll dig into four charts about global temperature anomaly, CO2 emissions, and the correlations between them.
Introduction to Claim Testers
Introduction to Claim Testers
Activity

Introduction to Claim Testers

Explore the claim testers to help evaluate the statements that people make about climate change and the evidence they use to support them.
Understanding Climate Change Disagreement
Article

Understanding Climate Change Disagreement

You’ve likely heard people disagree about the causes and impacts of climate change. But if there’s so much evidence behind climate change, why is there still disagreement? This article will help you dig into this important question.