This interactive resource on the University of Leeds website provides graphs, data, maps, links to additional information, and a comprehensive analysis of social indicators and planetary impacts of individual countries.
The findings of this research show that no country is operating sustainably, particularly if they have more social benefits such as good nutrition, a long lifespan, high levels of education, or reliable access to electricity.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The graphs and charts are detailed, informative, and help visualize the data.
The ability to compare countries and look at the pros and cons of individual countries is illuminating.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with reading graphs and charts.
If you want to make adjustments to the graphs, you can select different countries or indicators from the drop-down menus.
Hovering over the various parts of the graphs will highlight that parameter and may make it easier to see.
Differentiation
Math and science classes could use this resource to practice making various kinds of graphs and analyzing information using raw data or by adjusting the graphs available.
The results of this research are profound and could be incorporated into a number of different subjects and lessons regarding sustainability, social/economic/environmental goals, human population, inequality, and ecological degradation.
Other resources on this topic include this course about globalization, this video about the Anthropocene, and this table of solutions to climate change.
Scientist Notes
The resource spotlights the relationship between well-being of people and resource use. It introduces the concept of degrowth which is essential in reinventing the current economic model to achieve sustainable development goals. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
HS-ESS3-6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.1.9-12 Use geospatial and related technologies to create maps to display and explain the spatial patterns of cultural and environmental characteristics.
Dimension 3: Developing Claims and Using Evidence
D3.3.9-12 Identify evidence that draws information directly and substantively from multiple sources to detect inconsistencies in evidence in order to revise or strengthen claims.
