Evaluating Climate Solutions
Driving Question: How can we respond to climate change?
There’s no denying the size of the problem, but what can we actually do about it? Explore adaptation and mitigation solutions to understand the role of each in addressing climate change.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the difference between adaptation efforts and mitigation solutions.
- Assess the need for different types of climate solutions.
- Evaluate the efficacy of different climate solutions.
Vocab Terms:
- adaptation
- geoengineering
- mitigation
- resilience
Opener: Evaluating Climate Solutions
What can we actually do to take on climate change? Explore the differences between adaptation and mitigation solutions to help answer that question.
Addressing Climate Causes and Impacts
This activity highlights three examples of climate solutions. For advanced learners, consider extending the activity by inviting them to research and assess the impact of a climate solution of their choice.
Where should we focus our energy when it comes to addressing climate change? Read the article to explore different types of solutions, and then use the activity to decide for yourself the right approach.
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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 the difference between climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation?
- What are the two goals that climate change mitigation strategies try to achieve?
- Why is mitigation important in addressing climate change?
- What are the goals associated with climate change adaptation strategies?
- How do mitigation and adaptation strategies overlap?
- Why can’t we just focus on mitigation strategies to address climate change?
After you read
Respond to this question: The article explains how adaptation and mitigation strategies can interact in different ways—overlapping, counteracting, and so on. Why are these different interactions important for us to understand?
Adaptation or Mitigation?
This activity involves sorting climate solutions, some of which may be unfamiliar to students. You may want to begin with a brief class overview of each solution rather than having students research them independently.
Adaptation, mitigation...or both? Understanding the different categories of solutions is the first step in effective action.
What Is Geoengineering?
Who doesn’t love a little debate? Class debates are great for engagement but require preparation. We recommend dedicating one class period to listening to the podcast and gathering evidence, and a second period to conducting the debate.
Are there some climate change solutions that create more problems than they solve? Dive into the controversy that surrounds geoengineering as a potential fix in the podcast, and then use the activity to make an argument based on what you believe.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you listen
Preview the questions below and review the transcript.
While you listen
Look for answers to these questions:
- What did Hank Green discover about water temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean?
- What question does Hank have about the smog clouds?
- What is geoengineering?
- Why are some people skeptical of geoengineering solutions?
- Why do some people think we shouldn’t talk about geoengineering at all? Why does Hank think we should talk about it?
- What’s another form of geoengineering that’s already in use today?
After you watch
Respond to this question: Do you think we should pursue geoengineering as a solution to climate change? Why or why not?
Closer: Evaluating Climate Solutions
Not all solutions are equally effective—some will have a far greater impact on improving quality of life and reducing carbon emissions. Which solutions do you think deserve our limited resources?
