Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
Provided by: Zinn Education Project |Published on: March 10, 2025
Activity - Classroom
9101112
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.
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.
