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Deploy Green Roofs

Provided by: Project Drawdown|Published on: May 27, 2026

Scientific Reports

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Synopsis

This article introduces the use of native plants on roofs as a climate solution.
Students will understand how a multitude of co-benefits make this solution exciting, and high up-front costs and mixed success leave room for caution.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: Project Drawdown

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This article is simpler than some other resources from Project Drawdown. It can serve as an excellent introduction to the organization and what they do.
The chart clearly explains why green roofs have been dubbed a "worthwhile" solution.

Prerequisites

This article builds on students' understanding of climate change and the need for implementing more carbon sinks.

Differentiation & Implementation

Before students read, teachers can demonstrate the definition pop-up tool by hovering over highlighted terms. Teachers can go through each of the highlighted terms and check for understanding to ensure students are prepared to read the text.
This article lends itself to the use of a graphic organizer, such as a T-chart, where students can list the benefits of this solution, as well as the drawbacks of it.
Students can compare this solution with others using the Drawdown Explorer. For example, students may wish to read about a "highly recommended" solution, like electric cars, and see how it differs from "worthwhile" solutions, like this one.
Teachers can combine this resource with this video on nature-based solutions and this nature-based solutions game for a multi-media and interactive lesson on looking to nature for climate change solutions.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.

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Deploy Green Roofs

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Related Teaching Resources