Climate Action: Policy Analysis and Advocacy
Teacher Resources
Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide
Video Guide
Writing Guide
Driving Question: How can I help influence policy or innovation?
Government policy is essential to supporting the innovations and adaptations we need to confront climate change. Individuals can play an important role in getting new policies enacted, policies that change the way we think about and act on problems caused by climate change. In this lesson, you’ll learn to identify the different climate policies that could make an impact in your community and you’ll write a letter to someone in a position of power to support one of those policies.
- Evaluate the importance of government policy when it comes to climate action.
- Identify a climate policy that will reduce carbon emissions or lessen the impacts of climate change.
- Apply literacy, writing, and communications skills to take informed civic action to promote a climate policy.
Opener
This lesson is all about understanding and advocating for climate policies in your own community and beyond. Now, you’ll brainstorm what you think you can do to help influence policy and innovation.
Why Does Policy Matter?
When it comes to climate change, the government is one of the only mechanisms we have that can bring about the transformations we need. In this video produced by Wondrium, you’ll hear from leading experts about what we’ll need the world’s governments to do—and not do.
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
- How are government leaders around the world driving goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050?
- Why is capital important when it comes to developing climate solutions? What’s the role of government when it comes to investing in climate technologies?
- What are the areas that government investment is especially useful? What’s one example of a specific technology that has benefitted from government investment?
- How can government policy create markets for clean technologies?
- What are other ways that governments can help us reach our climate goals?
After you watch
- This video features several individuals talking about the importance of government when it comes to reaching our climate goals. However, many of them also mention the role of private businesses and voters. How do you think businesses and individuals can help governments develop climate solutions?
Activity
If we want to get to net-zero emissions, we’re going to need new, more-effective policies. Use an actual government playbook to help you investigate policies at the national level. Advocating for these policies will help potential climate solutions become a reality.
Article
This document describes policy recommendations for lawmakers and decision-makers working to reduce carbon emissions and speed the deployment of climate solutions.
Closer
Reflect on what you learned from analyzing and advocating for climate policy and think about actions you might take moving forward.