The Case for Climate Optimism
Driving Question: Why should we be optimistic when it comes to climate change?
With all the reports of doom and despair, is there any cause for hope? Explore different perspectives to determine if optimism is justified.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate evidence in support of climate optimism.
- Build and communicate your own perspective about climate change.
Vocab Terms:
- climate doomer
- climate optimist
- optimism
- optimistic
- perspective
Opener: The Case for Climate Optimism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide.
Explore why perspective is important when thinking about climate change. Does your outlook matter?
Climate Optimism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide.
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Check out our Video Guide for suggestions on incorporating videos in the classroom.
Plenty of climate experts are optimistic. Watch the video to see if they can persuade you, and then use the activity to evaluate their evidence.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you watch
- Why is Jonah Goldman optimistic that humans can solve the climate crisis?
- What are the roles of private business and entrepreneurs in solving climate change?
- According to Paul Edwards, what is the biggest obstacle to solving climate change?
- What is one technological innovation that Rodi Guidero uses as an example to be hopeful about the future?
After you watch
Respond to this question: Do you think the experts make a convincing case for optimism? Why or why not?
A Case for Optimism
Key Ideas
Optimist or Doomer?
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide.
Hope is key – check out this blog post: Climate optimism: A key to confronting climate change?
Are you a doomer or an optimist? Gather information from the article, then work through the activity to decide which side you’re on.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- What is a climate doomer?
- What is a climate optimist?
- What’s one example that shows there’s cause for optimism?
- Why is informed optimism important for action?
After you read
Respond to this question: In your opinion, what’s the most convincing reason for optimism?
Perspective Writing
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide.
Looking to differentiate, modify or adapt this assignment? Check out our Differentiation Guide.
You’ve been presented with plenty of arguments for climate optimism. Now it’s time to form your own opinion.
Closer: The Case for Climate Optimism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide.
Our Openers and Closers Guide will provide more information about these short, but important, activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.
You’ve spent this lesson thinking about your own perspective and experience when it comes to climate optimism. Now, consider climate change while wearing someone else’s shoes.
