Globalization and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDEGlobalization and Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. two 50-min class periodsDescription: Draw clear connections between the globalized economy and modern climate change by exploring how the production, distribution, and consumption of everyday goods affect people and the planet.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher login. Click hereto sign up or log in.Learning Objectives:•Evaluate the effects of globalization on the environment.•Explain the relationship between green premiums and consumer choices.Day 1: Global Production Opener•Reflect: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.Global Production•Read: Read the article “Goods Across the World” to discover how production links people, places, and economies in surprising and complex ways.Find key idea questions and sample answers for this article here.•Do: Complete the activity Follow the Productto trace the journey of a product across borders and uncover what its path reveals about labor, trade, inequality, and environmental impact. •Discuss(optional): How does globalization benefit some groups while creating challenges for others? If your students are stuck, here are some ideas to get them started:oGlobalization helps some groups by creating jobs, spreading technology, and connecting businesses around the world. For example, Apple and Starbucks have grown because they can make and sell products in many countries. But globalization also can cause problems—like low wages or poor working conditions for factory and farm workers. Some countries gain wealth and opportunity, while others face unfair labor or environmental damage.
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDEDay 2: The Cost of DecarbonizingThe Cost of Decarbonizing•Watch:View the video Green Premiums: The Extra Cost to Decarbonizeto understand why reducing emissions often comes with a higher price tag, and why those costs matter when addressing climate change.Green premiums are the extra cost of a low-or no-carbon product or system compared to the traditional. For example, the green premium for sustainable aviation fuel is high because it is much more expensive than traditional jet fuel.•Do:Returnto the Follow the Productactivity and answer these questions:1.How could your product’s environmental impact be reduced? Come up with at least three ideas, considering factors such as the materials used, manufacturing processes, and transportation.Sample answer: Product: Stainless steel water bottle. Materials: Use recycled steel or aluminium. Manufacturing: Production facilities use solar-or wind-powered processes. Transportation: Use minimal or recycled packaging for shipping.2.Choose one of the strategies for reducing the environmental impact of your product you identified and determine the green premium (extra cost) of implementing this change. Use the internet to conduct your research.Sample answer: Recycled stainless steel costs about 10–20% more than new, so for a $30 water bottle, the green premium would be $3–6.3.What innovations, policies, or consumer choices could help lower the green premium over time?Sampleanswer: Improving recycling technology and consumers generating higher demand for low-carbon products would lower the green premium.Closer•Write: Craft a claim in response to this question: How can addressing the green premium help reduce the negative impacts of a globalized economy?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.Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Infographic: What’s a Green Premium?•Article: “Understanding the Green Premium”