How to Be a Good Ancestor

Provided by: TED |Published on: April 27, 2021

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6-AP

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This TED talk describes the need for humanity to think at least seven generations into the future when making decisions that affect our planet.
The speaker discusses the need to address injustices that future humans will face if we continue to act without regard for the home that will support those future generations.
Students will learn that being a good ancestor, or "time rebel," means loving our planet, restoring and taking care of our planet, and standing up for the billions of future humans who don't have a say in the decisions made today.

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Subjects: Civics, History

Authors: Roman Krznaric

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This resource provides students with a chance to think about how past generations have impacted their lives and how their actions can have lasting impacts in the future.
The video reinforces the value of stewardship and highlights current actions taken by people and organizations around the world to address this issue.

Prerequisites

It might be helpful to introduce the terms colonial, colonization, injustice, and legacy.
Students should understand how human actions contribute to climate change.

Differentiation & Implementation

Cross-curricular connections could be made with history, civics, ecology, and social studies lessons.
This video could introduce topics such as the rights of individuals, the rights of nature to exist, the tragedy of the commons, sustainability, the loss of nature, the Anthropocene, and Indigenous practices and beliefs.
Civics or street law classes can research and analyze law suits concerning projected climate change impacts.

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How to Be a Good Ancestor

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources