Geoengineering and Climate Change
Lesson Plans
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
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 →
Provided by MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative
What it is
- This resource explains the benefits and risks of using geoengineering to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- The lesson leads students through a series of geoengineering articles and poses questions for discussion.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The episode does a good job of explaining the moral complexities of solar radiation management.
- The accompanying Educator Guide includes a helpful glossary on p. 10.
Prerequisites
- A robust and detailed 10-page Educator Guide accompanies the podcast.
- A full transcript of the episode is available.
- On page 3 of the Educator Guide, the Detailed Table of Contents lists and links to the wrong podcast episode. Students should listen to "TIL About Geoengineering."
- The episode can be separated into the following sections:
- The first section introduces listeners to geoengineering. (0:00-3:40)
- The second section focuses on solar radiation management. (3:41-7:34)
- The third section questions who is in charge of geoengineering. (7:35-9:54)
- The last section is a call to action. (9:55-11:01)
Differentiation & Implementation
- Social studies, civics, or government classes could have a debate about who should make geoengineering decisions.
- Science classes could do group research projects on the following topics: increased albedo, cloud seeding, cirrus thinning, stratospheric aerosol injection, and space mirrors.
- Other resources on this topic include this Hot Mess video on using space mirrors to cool the earth and this video on why geoengineering might be necessary.
From the scientist review
This resource includes a podcast in which an MIT expert is interviewed and discusses geoengineering proposals for addressing climate change. Geoengineering strategies are compared to alternative strategies including mitigation and adaptation strategies. Specifically, carbon capture, solar radiation management, and stratospheric aerosol injection strategies and their uncertainties and risks are discussed. A transcript and educator's guide, along with additional resource links, are provided. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on climate.mit.edu
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
