Lesson Plan: Understanding Carbon Footprint Inequality and Strategies to Reduce It

Ann S. Michaelsen

1 year ago

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Define carbon footprint and explain its global significance.
Understand the concept of carbon footprint inequality and how it affects different populations.
Analyze practical strategies to reduce personal carbon footprints, including low-cost solutions.
Engage in discussions on how individual actions contribute to climate change mitigation.

NGSS MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment.
C3 Framework D2.Geo.11.6-8: Analyze the ways in which humans alter the physical environment in the present day.
NGSS HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces human impacts on natural systems.
C3 Framework D2.Civ.14.9-12: Analyze how governments, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations can influence global environmental policies.

Opening Discussion:
- Ask students: What do you think a “carbon footprint” is?
- Write down their responses on the board to gauge prior knowledge.
- Explain that a carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide, that human activities produce.
Defining Carbon Footprint:
- Present the definition of a carbon footprint and its importance in understanding human impact on climate change.
- Introduce the concept of carbon footprint inequality – the idea that different populations and countries contribute to carbon emissions at varying levels, with wealthier countries and individuals often contributing more.
Key Question:
- Ask students: Why do you think there is inequality in carbon footprints between countries and people?

Reading Activity:
- Have students read the article “Carbon footprint inequality” (either individually or in small groups).
Discussion Questions:
- How does wealth influence carbon emissions?
- What are some factors that cause a disparity in carbon footprints between rich and poor countries or individuals?
- How do luxury consumption patterns increase the carbon footprints of wealthier individuals?
Group Reflection:
- Ask students to share their reflections on how economic status affects environmental impact. They should consider factors like access to resources, transportation, and housing.

Presentation:
- Introduce the article “How to reduce your carbon footprint for next to nothing”.
- Summarize key strategies from the article, focusing on simple and affordable ways to reduce carbon footprints, such as reducing food waste, using public transportation, minimizing energy consumption, etc.
Interactive Activity:
- Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group one strategy for reducing carbon footprints (e.g., switching to LED bulbs, reducing food waste, or using public transport).
- Each group should develop a quick presentation or role-play explaining how their assigned strategy works and why it is effective.

Task:
- Students create their own personal action plans to reduce their carbon footprints, using strategies discussed in class. They must include at least three actions they can take and reflect on how difficult or easy they think these changes will be.
Group Discussion:
- After students complete their action plans, hold a brief discussion on how collective actions, even small ones, can add up to significant positive changes for the environment.

Class Discussion:
- Recap the main points: What is a carbon footprint? What causes inequality in carbon footprints? What are some ways we can reduce our carbon footprints?
- Highlight that while wealthier individuals or countries may have larger carbon footprints, everyone can contribute to solving climate change through individual actions.
Exit Question:
- Ask students to write a short paragraph answering: Why is it important to address both carbon footprint inequality and individual carbon reduction strategies when tackling climate change?

Carbon Footprint Calculator:
- Students will use an online carbon footprint calculator to estimate their own carbon footprints and submit a reflection on their results.
- Suggested calculator: Footprint Calculator
Research Assignment:
- Students will research one specific country with a low carbon footprint and another with a high carbon footprint. They will write a short comparison of the factors influencing the difference and suggest ways both countries can reduce emissions further.

Debate: Organize a debate on the question: Should wealthier countries be more responsible for solving climate change due to their larger carbon footprints?
Project: Have students develop a community initiative to reduce carbon footprints in their local area (e.g., promoting bike-to-school programs or a neighborhood tree-planting campaign).