This annual report published by the UN Environment Program describes the projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 and compares them to where they should be to avoid the most deleterious impacts of climate change.
The report highlights in clear steps what is necessary to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius, a goal which was put forth by the Paris agreement.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This report provides detailed information about the requirements needed for countries to achieve the goals that they have outlined in the Paris agreement.
Well-organized graphs, figures, and infographics present the information for a broad audience.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should have experience reading graphs and scientific reports before using this resource.
Teachers should read through the sections they would like to teach about in advance, as the full report is lengthy.
Differentiation
Consider showing students the video and the infographic, to highlight the importance of reaching the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degree goal.
The report is organized by chapters, including a chapter on net-zero emission targets and methane emissions. Try focusing on one chapter at a time to help students narrow in on these important topics in climate science.
The factsheets may be useful for younger students and the Executive Summary may be a great paper to read for social studies, economics, and civics classes.
Related resources include this podcast about rising methane emissions, this podcast about the meaning of the term "net-zero," and this video explaining why a 1.5 degree target is an important goal.
Scientist Notes
The document, which also includes NDCs and a report on the emissions gap for 2021, provides precise guidance on where CO2 levels should be by 2030 and emphasizes the necessity of halving emissions in order to prevent a future climate calamity. It is correctly credited and suggested for use in the classroom.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-5 Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 1: Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries
D1.2.9-12 Explain points of agreement and disagreement experts have about interpretations and applications of disciplinary concepts and ideas associated with a compelling question.
Dimension 3: Developing Claims and Using Evidence
D3.3.9-12 Identify evidence that draws information directly and substantively from multiple sources to detect inconsistencies in evidence in order to revise or strengthen claims.
Dimension 3: Gathering and Evaluating Sources
D3.2.9-12 Evaluate the credibility of a source by examining how experts value the source.
Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
Statistics & Probability: Making Inferences & Justifying Conclusions (9-12)
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.IC.B.6 Evaluate reports based on data.
