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Decarbonization Solutions

Driving Question: How can we reduce emissions?

There are numerous solutions to reduce emissions in each of the Grand Challenges, but not all solutions are equal when it comes to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. How will decision-makers in different communities and countries know where to focus energy, time, and resources? This lesson explores how we can evaluate solutions to maximize their impact and what we can do to get them into widespread use.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate decarbonization strategies.
  2. Identify the solutions most valuable to emissions reduction.
  3. Research a decarbonization strategy and advocate for its implementation.

Vocab Terms:

  • carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
  • decarbonization
  • direct air capture (DAC)
  • hydroelectric power
  • nuclear energy
  • renewable energy
STEP 1

Opener: Decarbonization Solutions

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

What are the solutions for reducing emissions? These images will help you think about the most promising decarbonization strategies.

STEP 2

Reducing Emissions

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out our Reading Guide External link to learn about the Three Close Read approach.

There are lots of options out there that might help decarbonize. How do we determine which ones are worth our time and resources? Read the article to learn more, and then use the activity to decide for yourself.

STEP 3

Can We Capture Emissions?

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

Explore the Climate Project Infographics Guide External link for some tips for using infographics in the classroom.

Expensive, complex, and…necessary? Use the infographic to explore for yourself the pros and cons of carbon capture, and then synthesize your thinking as you work through the activity.

STEP 4

Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels?

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

Looking for tips on using video in an instructionally sound way? Look no further than the OER Project Video Guide. External link

Electricity makes our modern lives possible—but can we make electricity without fossil fuels?

Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels? Crash Course Climate & Energy #3

How can the electricity that powers your internet or midnight pizza come from carbon-free sources? Dig into ways we can decarbonize our electricity supply.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Investigating Decarbonization Solutions

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 8 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out this blog postResearching BIG thorny problems External link – for insight on how to help students figure out effective solutions to climate change.

STEP 6

Closer: Decarbonization Solutions

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 10 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

STEP 7

DBQ: Climate Solutions

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 10 of Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Writing Guide External link shares our approach to informal and formal writing, including DBQ’s – check it out!