Youth Climate Story: Climate Action in Ohio

• This video features a young climate activist from Cleveland who started a local action team at her university to raise awareness about the climate crisis.
• Students will learn about about the climate vulnerabilities of cities like Cleveland, including the urban heat-island effect, and how environmental injustice is impacting many of the people who live there.

Positives

• The video highlights some of the specific things that Alana did to get her action team off the ground, including coalition-building and planning a climate march.
• This video is relatable because it features a young person who is taking charge of her future by using the resources she has available.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers have the option to sign up to create a free account, however this is not necessary in order to watch the video.
• There are many resources that could supplement this video under the "Educator Resources" tab, but a free account is necessary to access most of them.
• Teachers should define POC for students that are not familiar with the acronym.
  

Differentiation

• This video could be the introduction to a lesson about environmental justice or urban heat and their impacts on communities of color. 
• Have students explore another youth story about the effects that heat waves are having in her city of Los Angeles and then discuss the similarities and differences between the two.
• After watching the video, have students write a reflection paper on environmental justice issues, possibly using additional environmental justice teaching resources to supplement learning.
• After discussing Alana's action plan, brainstorm steps that could be taken in students' own communities to address climate change.