In this article, Mark Chambers describes his job as the Director of NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability, explaining how his background in architecture helps him be a problem-solver and systems-thinker.
Chambers discusses two climate change issues of importance to him: green buildings and plastic pollution.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Mark Chambers shares some inspirational advice for young people working in climate change policy, urging them not to wait for permission to take action.
He provides a hopeful message emphasizing our boundless opportunities to address climate change.
Additional Prerequisites
There are some terms in the article that teachers may need to introduce students to before reading, such as sustainability, zero waste policy, green buildings, and environmental justice.
Students should understand the causes and impacts of climate change.
It may benefit students to have a brief overview of architecture and what an architect does.
Differentiation
Students can research more about plastic pollution in the oceans and public policy efforts to address this.
Chambers touches on inequity and environmental justice that students can explore further, such as the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on coastal fishing communities.
Chambers describes New York City as a leader in climate change policy. Students can research actions this city is taking to address climate change and if living outside of New York City, identify strategies that could be applicable in their city.
Scientist Notes
This resource highlights a career in climate science. It does not have any specific science to review, but regardless, is a good resource for students.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.14.6-8 Compare historical and contemporary means of changing societies, and promoting the common good.
D2.Civ.10.9-12 Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
