NJClimateWeek: Rising Temperatures

Positives

• This video delivers a plethora of information about how heat waves impact New Jersey and what can be done to combat the problem. 
• Multiple stakeholders appear in the video, giving students a variety of viewpoints regarding the challenges faced and solutions posed. 

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should have an understanding of climate change and rising temperatures. 

Differentiation

• Cross-curricular connections can be made in civics and economics classes by discussing how the increased temperatures impact society in different ways. 
• This resource would be an excellent component in a study of New Jersey's changing climate. Discussion questions could include:
  • What measurable changes have been recorded regarding New Jersey's climate? 
  • How do those changes compare to other places? 
  • What action items are suggested to combat rising temperatures? Which seem the easiest to accomplish? Which will need more work or resources? 
• As an extension, have students choose one actionable item from the solutions portion of the video and find a way to advocate for those changes to be made in their communities or at large. 
• Other related resources include this article about heat, this video about how climate change is impacting different aspects of New Jersey, this resource about urban heat islands, and this video about the benefits of urban trees.