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:
- Evaluate decarbonization strategies.
- Identify the solutions most valuable to emissions reduction.
- 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
What are the solutions for reducing emissions? These images will help you think about the most promising decarbonization strategies.
Divide a reading into chunks, either by paragraph or section. After they’ve read each chunk, have students write a one-sentence summary of what they read. For even more support, incorporate guiding questions into the article so that students know where to look for the answers.
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.
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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:
- Why do solutions in one Grand Challenge have to account for emissions in other Grand Challenges?
- What does it mean to say that a type of energy production is “scalable”?
- Why are air conditioners such a big concern?
- What are the three criteria the article recommends we use to evaluate solutions?
- Who does the article identify as the types of people and groups that can implement solutions?
After you read
Respond to this question: Can you think of any criteria beyond time, cost, and impact potential that we should use to evaluate solutions? Why?
Carbon-capture technology evolves rapidly, so consider giving students time to research recent developments before completing their evaluation.
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.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the full infographic, paying attention to things like prominent colors, numbers, charts, and types of text. How do you know where to start and in which direction to read? How do you know which numbers are most important? What concept is the focus of the graphic?
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- How much carbon dioxide needs to be removed from the atmosphere every year to reach net zero by 2050?
- How does CCS technology work?
- How does DAC technology work?
- How much time will DAC need to start making an impact?
- What is the cost of DAC relative to CCS?
- What is the impact potential of DAC?
After you read
Respond to this question: Do you think DAC is a valuable solution that should be pursued? Why or why not?
This video is a deep dive into decarbonizing our electricity supply. As an extension, have students explore where the electricity in their community comes from.
Electricity makes our modern lives possible—but can we make electricity without fossil fuels?
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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
Look for answers to these questions:
- Why is it important to decarbonize our electricity supply?
- What are two drawbacks of wind and solar power?
- Why is nuclear power safe?
- Why are fossil fuels relatively inexpensive?
- What’s the biggest hurdle to large-scale carbon-free electricity?
After you watch
Respond to this question: What are the costs of not decarbonizing electricity? Will these costs increase or decrease over time?
This activity asks students to independently research a decarbonization solution. The Grand Challenge Research Library can serve as a helpful source for topic ideas and a starting point for their research.
Dive deep into a single decarbonization solution. Could it be what we need to make a true impact solving climate change?
This closer is an opportunity for informal writing. For tips on using informal writing in the classroom, see page 2 of the Writing Guide.
You’ve learned all about the Grand Challenges and their solutions. Now you make the call: Which ones are the most important?
This activity can serve as a formal assessment in multiple formats, including a document-based question (DBQ), a guided writing assignment, or homework. It can also be adapted into a debate-style activity.
Students are asked to evaluate the impact of one of three climate solutions—nuclear energy, tree-planting, or plant-based meat. The activity has them build on concepts from the lesson, although it can also stand alone. To develop a strong argument, students will need dedicated time for independent research.
This writing assessment is an opportunity for you to showcase what you’ve learned in this unit by analyzing documents and creating an argument about the solutions needed to reduce emissions.
