The Need for Climate Innovation
Teacher Resources
Driving Question: What are the solutions we have and the innovations we need?
While it can sometimes feel like everything you hear about climate change is doom and hopelessness, there is good news when it comes to solving the climate-change problem. In the last decade, positive trends have added up to make a measurable difference. But on their own, the solutions we have aren’t enough to solve all our problems. We’re going to need even more innovation to develop the tools necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impacts of a changing climate. In this lesson, we’ll explore both the solutions we have and the innovations we need to reach our climate goals. By understanding both, we can envision a path forward to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
- Identify the existing solutions to climate change and assess the factors that have enabled their success.
- Identify areas lacking viable solutions and evaluate the role of innovation in reaching climate goals.
- Evaluate ways in which existing climate solutions and the need for continued innovation will inform strategies for climate action.
Opener
This lesson is all about the solutions we currently have to fight climate change, and the innovations we still need. Take a few minutes to brainstorm about a few of these climate innovations.
Article
We’ve made some real progress with our current climate solutions, but these aren’t enough to get us to net zero. Now, we’ll look at both the solutions we have and the innovations we need to reach our climate goals.
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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
- The IEA reports that we have the technology to account for about 65% of emissions reductions necessary to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius. Why is that significant?
- What has driven the price reductions in renewable energy?
- What are two adaptation solutions that are in use to lessen the impacts of climate change?
- What is climate innovation?
- What is one innovative strategy we’ll need to help protect populations most vulnerable to climate change?
- What’s an example of a new technology needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- What are two things that can be done to support the innovation we need to respond to climate change?
Evaluate
- What do you think is the most important thing we can do to drive innovation, so we effectively and equitably respond to climate change? Explain your reasoning.
The Need for Climate Innovators
We need innovators from a wide range of backgrounds to solve the climate problem. Explore the different ways experts from many fields are working together to make climate solutions a reality, which will help you think about the different paths you could take to become a climate innovator.
Key Ideas
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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!
While you watch
- Why do we need teams of people working together to solve the climate problem?
- What are two areas that we need continued innovation reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- What are two groups of experts who can help create a denser Salt Lake City to limit the negative impacts of urban sprawl?
- Why is there a growing need for more efficient batteries?
- What are the downsides of lithium-ion batteries?
- What are two fields of innovators that could help create better batteries?
After you watch
- What’s one field of climate innovation discussed in the video you are interested in pursuing? How could this innovator make an impact in your community?
Activity
Research and explore a climate innovation of your choice to understand why addressing the problem of climate change will require even more innovation.
Closer
Think about the most important innovations we need to combat climate change and make a fun mini-poster that highlights one innovation you think will make a big difference.