The Climate Crisis Trial Role Play

Provided by: Zinn Education Project |Published on: March 10, 2025

Activity - Classroom

9101112

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

In this activity from the Zinn Education Project, students will participate in a mock trial where they will support their position on who carries the blame for causing the climate crisis.
Students will role-play as the U.S. government, U.S. consumers, the governments of China, India, and other developing countries, fossil fuel companies, and capitalism.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Civics, History

Authors: Bill Bigelow

Region: United States

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

This is an actively engaging way for students to discuss who is at fault for the climate crisis.
Students will enjoy arguing their points while exercising critical thinking skills.

Prerequisites

Teachers will need to create a free account to download the resource.
Students should have some familiarity with the law and court proceedings. Students should know the terms defense, prosecution, and indictment.
Additionally, students should understand the causes and impacts of climate change.

Differentiation & Implementation

Language arts teachers can use this role play as an exercise in argumentative speaking. Teachers can give students time to research their role and the other defendants and have them cite evidence to support their arguments.
Teachers can invite other students or community members to observe the trial, possibly recruiting them as jurors so all students can participate in the trial.
After this activity, students can research real court cases dealing with climate change. The lesson The Constitution and Climate Change discusses the Julianna court case and can be an interesting resource to use after the role-playing activity.
If students enjoyed this role-playing, they may enjoy other simulations, such as CFR Education's Global Climate Change Policy Simulation.

Scientist Notes

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 →

Related Teaching Resources

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

Cookie Preferences

The Climate Crisis Trial Role Play

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources