Illustration: Nate Kitch/The Guardian

Lesson plan; The Real Story on Iran: Oil Greed and the Chaos It Creates

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Energy Security, Fossil-Fuel Price Shocks & the Case for Net Zero

Oil has empowered capitalism, and some of the world’s most exploitative regimes. Move away from it and we can solve some of the key issues we face.
I realise this is a serious breach of etiquette. But could we perhaps abandon good manners and contextualise Donald Trump’s attack on Iran? The intense western interest in the Middle East and west and central Asia, sustained for more than a century, and the endless attempts by foreign governments to shape and control these regions, are not random political tics. They are somewhat connected to certain fuel sources situated beneath the ground. George Monbiot The Gueardian

1. Learning Objectives

The War Behind the War: Oil, Reserves, and Who Blinks First | Times Now
Times; The War Behind the War: Oil, Reserves, and Who Blinks First | Times Now

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

  • Explain how oil price spikes occur and why they affect everyday costs.
  • Compare the economic impact of fossil‑fuel price shocks with long‑term climate transition costs.
  • Understand the argument that renewable energy and net zero policies increase long‑term energy security.
  • Analyze a political commentary text and identify the writer’s perspective and arguments.
  • Engage in informed discussion about energy, geopolitics, and sustainability.

2. Warm‑Up 

Activity:
Ask students to discuss in pairs:

  1. Have you or your family noticed higher prices recently (fuel, electricity, groceries)?
  2. What do you think causes sudden increases in energy prices?

Then share ideas as a class.

3. Reading Activity

Instruction to students:
Read the article carefully. After reading, answer the 10 questions below to check your understanding.

Comprehension Questions 

    1. What main factors cause oil and gas prices to spike according to the article?
    2. How did the 2022 energy crisis demonstrate the risks of relying on fossil fuels?
    3. What comparison does the article make between the cost of a major fossil‑fuel price spike and the cost of reaching net zero by 2050?
    4. Why are fossil‑fuel price spikes considered economically damaging for society?
    5. What are some consequences for households when oil prices suddenly increase?
    6. What does the article say we gain after paying for an oil price shock?
    7. What long‑term benefits does investment in net zero provide?
    8. How does the article describe the difference between short‑term fossil‑fuel shocks and long‑term clean‑energy investment?
    9. What political or global events does the article connect to recent energy price spikes?
    10. Based on the article, why does the author argue that shifting to a cleaner energy system is a more secure path?

4. Group Activity: “Choose the Better Investment

Divide the class into groups of 4.
Each group receives two scenario cards:

Card A: Fossil-Fuel Shock Scenario

  • Sudden oil price increases
  • Rising heating, transport, and food costs
  • Government subsidies and emergency aid
  • No long-term improvement to the energy system

Card B: Net Zero Investment Scenario

  • Upfront costs for renewables and infrastructure
  • Long-term price stability
  • Energy independence
  • Lower household costs over time

Task:
Groups must decide which scenario makes more sense for society and present three arguments supporting their choice.

Encourage them to use evidence from the text.

5. Exit Ticket

Students answer one of the following:

  • What is the most important reason to transition to a renewable energy system?
  • What question do you still have about energy prices, geopolitics, or net zero?

Collect to assess understanding.

Essay Questions

1. How do fossil‑fuel price spikes illustrate the economic risks of relying on oil and gas, and how does the article argue that a transition to net zero could reduce these risks?
In your answer, explain the relationship between global conflict, energy markets, and household costs.

2. To what extent does the article suggest that society’s “greed for oil” contributes to geopolitical instability?
Discuss how global demand for fossil fuels shapes political decisions, international conflicts, and long‑term energy insecurity.

3. Evaluate the claim that investing in a net‑zero energy system offers long‑term benefits that outweigh the short‑term costs.
Use evidence from the article to discuss economic, environmental, and security-related arguments.

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