This video presents the essential strategy of addressing climate change through mitigation efforts like increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy waste, and increasing clean energy production.
The video provides a visual representation of annual coal emissions to help students grasp the scale of the problem and discusses the need for energy storage and distribution solutions.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video simplifies complex topics like climate mitigation and the clean energy transition.
The video uses a mix of data visualization, graphics, and expert interviews.
Additional Prerequisites
Although not mentioned in the video, it is essential to clarify the difference between reaching zero emissions versus net-zero emissions.
This resource requires access to the Internet.
Differentiation
For students who may prefer to read along, the resource includes a transcript of the video.
The video briefly mentions the importance of carbon sequestration, which the teacher can expand upon.
Have students consider the social, economic, and political reasons why the clean energy transition is not happening faster and brainstorm how these challenges can be overcome.
Use this other resource to provide a more in-depth look at clean energy technologies.
Scientist Notes
The resource talks about the benefits of renewable energy sources. It is a mitigation strategy to addressing climate change impacts. Although, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to scaling up, when compared with nonrenewable sources, this form of energy is becoming cheaper than fossil fuels. It is not only cost-effective but the best energy solution the world needs now. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-2 Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
HS-ETS1-1 Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Communicating and Critiquing Conclusions
D4.1.9-12 Construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging counterclaims and evidentiary weaknesses.
