COP 28: Science Has Never Been More Important
Provided by: New York Botanical Garden|Published on: February 15, 2024
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Civics
Authors: Mauricio Diazgranados, Ph.D
Region: Middle East, North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Global, New York, New York City
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article examines unprecedented declarations made at COP28, the role of science in fighting climate change, and how biodiversity can decrease global carbon emissions.
- Students will learn that leaders at COP28 made official statements on renewable energy and other topics for the first time, science was a prominent aspect of each COP28 declaration, and natural ecosystems such as forests and oceans serve as vital carbon sinks.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will benefit from understanding the connection between inclusivity and effective climate action, a prominent topic in the article.
- The article includes additional resources with information on forests, mangroves, sustainability, and more.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may help students access the content if they understand the Paris Agreement and its significance.
- Students should know the causes and impacts of climate change.
- Some students, especially English language learners, may need the terms resilient, renewable energy, biodiversity, steward, net-zero, and others defined before reading the article.
Differentiation
- Students can read this article at home to prepare for an in-class discussion on the United Arab Emirates' environmental record, the professional background of COP28's president, and how both aspects fit within the larger context of COP28.
- This article can fit within a larger unit on international action regarding climate change.
- Students can discuss the limitations of international climate coalitions and how these coalitions can be more effective in the future.
- The article mentions many topics teachers can extend to additional lessons or units, such as biodiversity, traditional ecological knowledge, the impact of climate change on marginalized groups, and green urban infrastructure.
- Students can research the history of COP28 and create a timeline of international environmental action and movements.
This article discusses COP28, the climate goals made at the conference, and the New York Botanical Garden’s commitment to these goals. It touches upon several climate change topics, such as the role of cities in climate change and biodiversity, but the primary focus is how to use nature to help combat climate change. The article provides examples of how to do this. There is also a discussion about climate justice and inclusive climate action. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
