Climate-Poverty Connections Report
Grades: 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Scientific Reports
Subjects: Science, Civics, Geography, English Language Arts
Authors: Project Drawdown, Yusuf Jameel, Carissa M. Patrone, Kristen P. Patterson, Paul C. West
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 →
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
- This detailed report describes the benefits and challenges of enacting 28 climate change solutions for human well-being and poverty alleviation in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- The report provides a framework for achieving these "win-win solutions" and emphasizes that responses to climate change must also directly address the economic, nutritional, and energy needs of rural communities while contributing to improved health, education, and gender equality.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This report will give students an inside look into policy-making and the extensive considerations necessary when designing policies.
- The report highlights the connections between environmental and social issues, emphasizing that the two are inextricably linked.
- The report uses graphics, diagrams, and accessible language to explain complex concepts.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers will need to input their name and email to access the report.
- This report is intended to be a guide for decision-makers, policymakers, and donors. Students should have strong reading skills and a general understanding of climate change and development-related concepts.
Differentiation
- Before reading the report, have students engage in a critical thinking exercise, working in groups to figure out how climate mitigation and adaptation may be linked to social issues such as education, health, and gender equality.
- Considering the length of the report, it may be best to break up any assigned reading by chapter.
- As an extension, have students research another location where the framework presented would be helpful and why. Students can present their findings to the class, highlighting the potential benefits, challenges, and drawbacks.
- The report briefly explains doughnut economics, an important concept for sustainable development that the teacher can expand upon in class.
- For a look at the complete list of Project Drawdown climate solutions, check out this table of solutions. Click the top of the columns to sort them from smallest to largest or largest to smallest.
The website provides a link to a two page fact sheet along with a Project Drawdown report entitled "Climate-Poverty Connections: Opportunities for Synergistic Solutions at the Intersection of Planetary and Human Well-being". The report and fact sheet summarize the mutual benefits of five different areas: agriculture/agroforestry, protection and restoration of ecosystems, clean cooking, clean electricity, and equality and how these areas can aid in advancing human well-being in rural areas of low/middle income countries. There is also a discussion of incorporating all voices, including women's voices, into the discussions concerning global warming and climate change. The fact sheet and report are well-researched and sourced and would provide an excellent addition to an older classroom discussion concerning climate change and the it's many effects.
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 →
