Decarbonization Goals
Teacher Resources
Lesson 4.4 Teaching Guide
Differentiation Guide
Openers and Closers Guide
Driving Question: How should we set and implement goals for decarbonization?
What exactly are climate goals? Climate goals can cover emissions reduction targets like net zero, outline the specific steps to reduce emissions, and create protections from the impacts of climate change for the most vulnerable people. They cover international agreements, national goals set by the governments of each country, as well as local governments and even corporations, which also set goals and put in place policies to address climate change. In this lesson, we’ll explore the importance of climate goals and how they work in tandem with government policy to lead to meaningful decarbonization action.
- Understand the difference between decarbonization goals at the international, national, and local levels.
- Evaluate decarbonization goals in a variety of contexts and assess the most important strategies for leveraging goals to make progress towards decarbonization.
Opener
Consider different climate actions and determine which level (or levels) they fall under. This will help you understand where action can best take place, from the international to the local.
Article
To get to net zero, we will need clearly set, ambitious goals at all levels, from the international to local level. Each set of goals will play an important role in getting us to zero through coordinating efforts and adapting to local conditions and realities.
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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
- According to the author, why is the timing attached to a climate goal important?
- What is the role of international climate goals according to the author?
- Why do national governments have an opportunity to move from goals to actually taking action?
- What role do state and local governments play in climate goals and action in the United States?
- What other organizations, besides governments, can set climate goals?
Evaluate
- In the article, the author discusses how international, national, state, and local climate goals can interact with each other. Provide one example of how climate goals set at different levels can support each other and one example of how climate goals at different levels can work against each other.
Activity
Investigate decarbonization goals at the national, state, and local levels. In doing so, you’ll understand the various impacts of climate goals and the most important strategies for leveraging goals to make progress towards decarbonization.
Closer
You’ve learned how decarbonization efforts happen at international, national, state, and local levels. In this quick activity, you’ll reinforce and reflect on what you’ve learned by quizzing your classmates.