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Lesson 4.3 Vocab

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cap-and-trade
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Definition

A program that sets a cap on greenhouse gas emissions that steadily lowers over time in order to curb emissions and, in many cases, raise money to address climate change.

Use In A Sentence

The cap-and-trade system allows companies to buy and sell emissions permits, creating a financial incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time.

Inflation Reduction Act
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Definition

A US federal law that aims to encourage clean energy and low-carbon technologies while also investing in domestic energy production, reducing the budget deficit, and lowering prescription drug prices.

Use In A Sentence

Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act promotes climate action through things like subsidies and tax incentives.

policy
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Definition

A law, rule, process, practice, or action of a government or other organization, often used as a basis for decision-making.

Use In A Sentence

The government implemented a policy requiring all new buildings to use energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

research and development (R&D)
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Definition

The process of investigating, designing, and creating new products, technologies, or improvements to existing systems

Use In A Sentence

For many companies, zero-carbon cement is still in the research and development phase, with the processes and designs still being developed.

standards
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Definition

Models or expected rules of measure established by an authority such as a government.

Use In A Sentence

Many countries have adopted strict emissions standards to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

subsidy
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Definition

Money provided by the government to help make a product or service more affordable.

Use In A Sentence

The government introduced a subsidy for electric vehicles to make them more affordable and to encourage the transition to clean transportation.

Implementing Decarbonization Strategies

Driving Question: How should we implement decarbonization strategies?

How can we move from strategy to action? Explore the importance of government policies at local, national, and international levels, and evaluate the most effective ways to bring climate solutions to life.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the need for international collaboration in addressing climate change.
  2. Evaluate the successes and failures of previous climate policies.
  3. Identify strategies to make climate goals more effective.
STEP 1

Opener: Implementing Decarbonization Strategies

When it comes to setting policies to reduce emissions, different levels of government are responsible for different things. Take a sneak peek at a few.

STEP 2

What’s the Role of Government?

What do we need government to do—and not do? Watch the video to hear from experts about how the right policies can bring about the transformations we need, and then use the activity to evaluate what you’ve learned.

Why Does Policy Matter? External link

It will take more than scientists and innovators to lower emissions. Explore why government policy is one of the most powerful mechanisms for reducing emissions.
STEP 3

The Path to Decarbonization

We need government policy at the local, national, and international levels. Read the article to explore what each area can do to set the stage for reducing emissions, and then explore a real-world example in the activity.

STEP 4

Investigating Decarbonization Policies

Teaching Tools

You can also check whether your community has a Climate Action Plan to support this activity. These plans outline local initiatives that may align with students’ proposed solutions.

What are real policies in place to support decarbonization, and what effect are they having? Pick a solution to see for yourself.

STEP 5

Closer: Implementing Decarbonization Strategies

Teaching Tools

The opener and closer activities in this lesson are closely connected, so be sure students complete the opener before moving on to this activity.

When it comes to reducing emissions, can more happen at the national, regional, or local level? See for yourself.