Economics and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE1Economicsand Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. two 50-min.class periodsDescription: Investigate how climate change is both a global problem and a shared economic challengeby exploring how the production, distribution, and consumption of everyday goods affect people and the planet.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher log-in. Click hereto sign up or log in.Learning Objectives:•Evaluate the effects of resource use and economic policyon the environment.•Explain the relationship between green premiums and consumer choices.Day 1: Effective Action•Opener:Complete the short activity What’s It Worth?to think about spending habits and prepare to learn more about how we weigh costs and make choices.•Read: Read the article “Working the Levers of Climate Action” to discover the connection between economics and climate action.Find key idea questions and sample answers for this article here.•Discuss: What’s the relationship between economics and behavior, policy, and innovation?If your students are stuck, here are some ideas to get them started:oEconomics strongly shapes behavior, policy, and innovation because people, businesses, and governments often act based on costs, risks, and potential benefits. Businesses are motivated by profit, which drives them to innovate when climate solutions are affordable or supported by government incentives like tax credits and grants. Governments use economic tools such as funding research and regulating industries to encourage cleaner technologies that might otherwise be too risky or expensive. Individuals also respond to economic signals by choosing climate-friendly products, even when they cost more, which can push companies to change their practices. Together, these examples show that economic factors influence who takes action, what solutions are developed, and how widely they are adopted.
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE2Day 2: The Cost of Decarbonizing•Watch:View the video Green Premiums: The Extra Cost to Decarbonizeand explore the infographic What’s a Green Premium?to understand why reducing emissions often comes with a higher price tag, and why those costs matter when addressing climate change.Reminder: Green premiums are the extra cost of a low-or no-carbon product or system compared to traditional. For example, the green premium for sustainable aviation fuel is high, meaningit’s much more expensive than traditional jet fuel.•Do:Students complete the activity Exploring the IRAto examine a real-world example and see what’s working, and what’s not.•Closer: Students craft a claim in response to this question: How can decreasingthe green premium help reduce the impacts of climate change?Sample answer: Addressing the green premium can make sustainable products more affordable, allowing countries and consumers to reduce emissions and resource use without sacrificing economic growth.Optional Research Extension:Choose atechnology that carries a green premium to research further and make a pitch to a target audience.Students can use the activity Product Pitchto guide their thinking.Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Activity: Exploring the Green Premiums•Article: “Understanding the Green Premium”