The Case for Climate Optimism
Teacher Resources
Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide
Find everything you need to know about lesson timing, sample answers, and teacher instructions in the Lesson Guide.
Blog: Climate Optimism
This lesson explores how to understand and critically evaluate optimism in the face of the climate crisis. For additional context, check out this blog post.
Driving Question: Why should we be optimistic when it comes to climate change?
With all the reports of doom and despair, is there any cause for hope? Explore different perspectives to determine if optimism is justified.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate evidence in support of climate optimism.
- Build and communicate your own perspective about climate change.
Vocab Terms:
- climate doomer
- climate optimist
- optimism
- optimistic
- perspective
Opener: The Case for Climate Optimism
Explore why perspective is important when thinking about climate change. Does your outlook matter?
Climate Optimism
Set the stage: Set context prior to watching a video with students: Why are we watching this video? What do we hope to learn from it? How does the information in this video align with or go against what we have learned in class thus far? Make sure students have enough background knowledge for the video to make sense.
Plenty of climate experts are optimistic. Watch the video to see if they can persuade you, and then use the activity to evaluate their evidence.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you watch
- Why is Jonah Goldman optimistic that humans can solve the climate crisis?
- What are the roles of private business and entrepreneurs in solving climate change?
- According to Paul Edwards, what is the biggest obstacle to solving climate change?
- What is one technological innovation that Rodi Guidero uses as an example to be hopeful about the future?
After you watch
Respond to this question: Do you think the experts make a convincing case for optimism? Why or why not?
Optimist or Doomer?
This activity is a useful way to informally assess students’ prior knowledge of climate solutions. If you choose to explore climate solutions more deeply, revisit this activity later and have students reflect on how their thinking has evolved.
Are you a doomer or an optimist? Gather information from the article, then work through the activity to decide which side you’re on.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- What is a climate doomer?
- What is a climate optimist?
- What’s one example that shows there’s cause for optimism?
- Why is informed optimism important for action?
After you read
Respond to this question: In your opinion, what’s the most convincing reason for optimism?
Perspective Writing
This is students’ first opportunity in the course to use informal writing to practice skills and deepen their understanding of key concepts. The first formal writing assessment appears in the next unit. For more on informal writing, check out the first two pages of the Writing Guide.
You’ve been presented with plenty of arguments for climate optimism. Now it’s time to form your own opinion.
Closer: The Case for Climate Optimism
You’ve spent this lesson thinking about your own perspective and experience when it comes to climate optimism. Now, consider climate change while wearing someone else’s shoes.
