It's About More Than Just CO2
Provided by: Stay Grounded|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Civics
Authors: Stay Grounded
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 fact sheet provides concise information and a graphic image about the many ways aviation impacts the climate.
- Students will learn about the CO2 and non-CO2 climate impacts from aviation and ways to reduce these emissions.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This resource focuses on the other impacts of aviation besides CO2 emissions.
- Students will learn that aviation's impact on the climate is almost always undercounted.
Additional Prerequisites
- The bar graph is somewhat complex, so it might be good to review the components of the graph with students to ensure understanding.
- Students should understand how greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change.
Differentiation
- Students could discuss ways to reduce aviation including alternative means of travel and the cultural shift toward slow travel.
- Teachers can connect this resource to issues of environmental justice by discussing the oversized impact of the actions of a small percentage of the global population on the entire planet.
- In civics courses, students can research policies and international agreements that could help minimize the negative impacts of the aviation industry.
This resource is suitable for teaching. It is recommended to understand cumulative emissions, current levels of emissions, and projected levels of emissions from aircraft.
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 →
