What Does "Net Zero" Really Mean?
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Provided by: The Climate Question|Published on: August 9, 2022
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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
- Almost everyone has heard of the term net zero, but do you know what it really means? In this podcast, the presenters investigate the true meaning of "net zero" and why this term has recently become so popular with politicians.
- Listeners will learn about the positives and negatives of net zero pledges and if this focus on net zero emissions can actually help reverse climate change.
Subjects: Civics, English Language Arts
Authors: The Climate Question, BBC
Region: Africa, Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students can learn about the challenges of inciting measurable action for climate policies, and holding politicians accountable for their commitments to the climate.
- This podcast provides the unique perspectives of citizens in South Africa, where the president has pledged to achieve net zero by 2050, despite the country's dependence on coal mining.
Additional Prerequisites
- The podcast switches to climate news at 21:17.
- This podcast mentions the IPCC. Before listening, it may be helpful for students to already have some knowledge of the IPCC and some history of international climate agreements.
Differentiation
- Students in government or civics classes can listen to this podcast to learn more about the dynamics of climate and politics and the impacts of proposed policies in international affairs.
- Cross-curricular connections can be made with English Language Arts classes, where students can write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the effectiveness of world leaders making net zero emissions pledges.
- Resources related to this topic include this course on climate politics, this interactive simulation for climate policies, and this video about net zero targets.
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.
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