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Climate Justice

Elementary, Middle

Description

This resource is comprised of two activities addressing the effects of climate change and the global inequalities that result. Students will learn that it is often the developing countries that emit the least amount of greenhouse gases yet suffer the most.

In the first activity students participate in a simulation to illustrate  the population make-up of different continents, the distribution of wealth and the amount of greenhouse gases each continent produces. Through class discussions the students will appreciate that greenhouse gas emissions per capita are not the same.

In the second activity students will learn who are the most vulnerable to climate change. Using role-playing cards (provided) the students will represent youths from different parts of the world. Each card describes the living conditions of the individual they are representing.  Statements (provided) describing the wealth and quality of life are read to the class and the students move in a prescribed direction depending on if the statement applies to their person or not. 

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The two activities in this resource can be used together or independently. It is best suited for the upper elementary or middle school classroom.  The topics relate very well to the Social Studies curriculum with the outcomes of interaction with the environment or social justice as well as the Science curriculum outcomes of weather and climate.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world
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        • Weather Watch
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        • Global Indigenous Peoples:Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors
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        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
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        • Communities of the World: Exploring the World
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        • My Province, Exploration, History of the Atlantic Region: Geography
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        • Science 5: Living and technological Systems: Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Social Studies 4: Physical Environment
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        • Social Studies 6: Environment and Culture
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        • Connecting With the World: Global Connections
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        • People and Environments: Canada's Interactions With The Global Communty
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        • Community Comparisons: Dynamic Comparisons
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        • Social Studies 6: Canada & Our Atlantic Neighbours -Resources and Wealth
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        • Global Indigenous Peoples:Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors
    • Grade 6
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Quality of Life

Human Rights (2)

  • Environmental Racism/Justice
  • Social Justice