This podcast explores the reason why methane levels continue to rise at a rapid pace, despite pledges that were made.
Over 100 world leaders pledged to cut their methane emissions in half by 2030 at COP26 in 2021. Yet, since these pledges were made, methane emissions continue to rise at a rapid pace.
Listeners will learn about why methane gases are "the bad boys" for the climate, and why politicians are focusing on cutting these gases in particular, as well as some interesting techniques that can be used worldwide to reduce methane gases.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This podcast is an accessible, beginner-friendly way for listeners to learn about methane gas, a lesser-known greenhouse gas.
The podcast features case studies in locations around the globe, including in Dhaka, Bangladesh and California.
Additional Prerequisites
The podcast switches to climate news at 22:30.
This podcast assumes that listeners have some prior knowledge and understanding of greenhouse gases and how they contribute to climate change. Students should be familiar with these basic concepts before listening.
Differentiation
Cross-curricular connections can be made in government or civics classes, where students can use this podcast to discuss the dynamics of climate and politics and the impacts of climate pledges in international affairs.
Advanced students could work on an extension project in which they research one of the proposed solutions to reducing methane gases mentioned in this podcast and analyze its cost and effectiveness.
Try pairing this resource with this video about methane gases, this data set about methane emissions by sector, and this video about permafrost and feedback loops.
Scientist Notes
This podcast talks about how methane emissions affect the climate. Human activities like trash disposal and rice paddy growing have increased the amount of methane in the atmosphere. It also offers methane reduction strategies that can be used and replicated. This podcast is great for the classroom.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
HS-ESS2-4 Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
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.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
