The Case for Climate Optimism
Driving Question: What reasons are there to be optimistic when it comes to climate change?
With so many reports of doom and despair around climate change, you might be asking, what’s there to be optimistic about? In this lesson, you’ll learn from climate experts about real progress being made and the importance of taking an optimistic view when it comes to climate change.
- Evaluate evidence in support of climate optimism.
- Communicate to a target audience the importance of optimism in promoting action surrounding climate change.
A Case for Optimism
Climate change can be a scary topic and it’s easy to give in to despair and pessimism. But despair doesn’t solve anything. This video produced by Wondrium will help you learn how to acknowledge the severity of climate change while remaining optimistic that we can develop solutions.
Key Ideas
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch!
As you watch
- What are the points that Jonah Goldman makes to argue that there’s good reason to be optimistic that humans can solve the climate crisis?
- According to this video, what is the role of private businesses and entrepreneurs in solving climate change?
- According to Paul Edwards, what are some benefits to climate change innovations in addition to their impact on solving the climate crisis?
- What are some of the technological innovations that Rodi Guidero uses as examples to be hopeful about the future?
After you watch
- This video features several individuals from private businesses talking about innovation and what makes them optimistic about the future of climate change. However, several of them also mention the role of policymakers and voters. How do you think governments can help promote optimism?
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Guiding Questions
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Skim
Before you read, you should quickly skim the article, by looking at the headings of each section and the charts. Read the questions below as well, so you know what to look for when you read!
Key Ideas
- What is a climate doomer, and how is climate change influencing their beliefs and actions according to the pessimism chart?
- According to generational data, which generations are the most active in addressing climate change?
- According to the article, what do informed optimists believe the evidence shows?
- What does the “Death rates from disasters” chart tell us about the changing number of people who die from natural disasters every decade?
Evaluate
- Do you agree with the author of the article that it makes sense to be a climate change optimist? Why or why not?
