How to Think About Innovation
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Provided by: 1y4e|Published on: May 30, 2026
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed 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 explains the role of innovation in climate change solutions.
- Students will understand how previous innovative technologies are often no longer helpful, and how people can support innovation, even if they aren't inventors.
Subjects: Engineering
Authors: Alidia Vane
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This article includes advice for how everyday people can support innovation, giving students a sense of purpose in how they approach innovation and innovative solutions.
- This article is brief, which allows teachers to incorporate it without worrying about time constraints.
Prerequisites
- This article builds on students' background knowledge of climate change and its impacts.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This article mentions coal as a previous innovation that has now been found to contribute to global warming. Teachers can use this lesson plan to make additional connections to the community health impacts of coal production.
- After reading, students can research to find a new innovative technology to inform the rest of the class about. Some examples can be found in this video on desalination, this article on adaptation solutions for flooding, and this video on restoration projects supported by AI and drone technology.
- To make ELA connections, teachers can have students write persuasive essays, advocating for policy support for green innovation.
- To make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, students can choose one of the goals and connect it to an innovative solution.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
One Year for Earth (1y4e)
One Year for Earth (1y4e) offers a variety of ideas, opportunities, and actionable steps to advocate for sustainable solutions and build resilient communities. Our mission is to help you implement smart, effective planning—starting today. The 1y4e Journey is a reliable way to stay on track with your sustainability efforts. By signing up, you’ll engage once a week over the course of a calendar year. Each week, you'll receive an email with a quiz question, a list of seasonal foods, and helpful tips on sustainable practices. As you participate, you’ll earn points that contribute to tree planting on your behalf in certified reforestation efforts and a Certificate of Completion.
Our website and program also guide you in creating a Sustainable Action Plan with goals to help you stay focused throughout the year—all at no cost to you, your organization, or your employer. Additionally, we provide excellent resources for organizations to support and community actions you can join or initiate! Visit our website or reach out to us directly for more information or to assist sharing the 1y4e program with your family, team, or community.
Our website and program also guide you in creating a Sustainable Action Plan with goals to help you stay focused throughout the year—all at no cost to you, your organization, or your employer. Additionally, we provide excellent resources for organizations to support and community actions you can join or initiate! Visit our website or reach out to us directly for more information or to assist sharing the 1y4e program with your family, team, or community.
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 →
