Lesson video

Hello.

My name's Ms. Gilyeat.

And I'm going to be your geography teacher for today.

In today's lesson, we are going to be learning about global governance to do with climate change.

We've got loads of interesting things to learn about.

So let's get going.

So our lesson outcome for today is that you can explain how global cooperation is needed to solve environmental problems. We have got five keywords.

The first one is the Paris Agreement, which was a global deal made in 2015, where nearly every country agreed to working together to limit global warming.

The second keyword is mitigation, which is taking action to reduce or prevent the effects of something.

A citizen is a person who belongs to a country and has rights and responsibilities there.

Climate action is steps being taken by people, governments, and organisations to reduce climate change and its effects.

And an NGO, short for non-governmental organisation, is a group that works independently from governments to help with social or environmental issues.

Okay, so we've got two learning cycles.

We're, first of all, gonna learn about international agreements on climate change, and then we're gonna look at NGO and citizen action.

Now, in the Anthropocene, the effects of climate change are more evident around the world.

There is increasing pressure for individuals, companies, and governments to start taking more effective action.

People around the world, young and old, are stepping up to the challenges that we face.

Countries are setting climate goals, companies are trying to go green, and more individuals are making eco-friendly choices.

The fight against climate change is a global team effort, and everyone has a role to play.

So it is not just the responsibility of governments alone or just individuals.

All levels of society have a role to play in fighting against climate change.

Now, climate change is a global problem.

So countries need to work together to solve it, and that's why international agreements are so important.

These agreements bring nations together to set goals, share ideas, and support each other in cutting pollution and protecting the planet.

Now, the UNFCCC, which is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is the international treaty that aims to address climate change.

And it has been in place since 1992.

Now, the countries that signed the treaty are referred to as parties.

And on the slide there is the symbol of the United Nations symbol.

Now, these countries meet annually at the Conference of Parties, otherwise known as the COPs.

The annual COP brings together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, activists, and other stakeholders.

So it's not just governments that are involved, but lots of different people, who have different jobs, come together to think about how we can basically fight against climate change, sharing ideas and making pledges.

Now, the main objectives of each COP are to negotiate and agree on actions to reduce global emissions, so what different countries are gonna do to try and stop reducing their CO2, or taking out of the atmosphere is another way of doing that, increasing global cooperation and climate action, and provide financial and technological support for climate mitigation strategies to lower-income countries.

So the impacts of climate change are going to be worse for lower-income countries in specific parts of the world.

So there needs to be some sort of help and support for those countries that are going to suffer the most, especially as, often, they are the countries that have contributed to the climate crisis the least.

Okay, let's check what we've learned so far.

So what are the main aims of the Conference of the Parties, or the COP? Okay, these are the two, for B and C.

So to agree on climate actions to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to support lower-income countries with climate change mitigation.

Well done if you got those right.

Now, the Paris Agreement was a landmark international treaty, adopted in 2015 at the UN Climate Change Conference, or the COP '21, in Paris.

So this is kind of the famous one that you might have heard about, called the Paris Agreement.

Now, the agreement was significant because it was adopted by 195 countries, making it the first time that nearly all nations agreed to a common approach to tackling climate change.

Now, the Paris Agreement set the global goal to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below two degrees C above pre-industrial lessons and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.

5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.

So they really desperately want to keep it under two degrees, but the target is 1.

5 degrees, or no more than 1.

5 degrees, I should say.

Now, a global climate goals ensures international cooperation, sets a clear target, and it drives ambition and promotes innovation.

So having that goal set as clear as it can be, then that's saying to all countries of the world, "This is what we are going to aim for together." Now, the Paris Agreement saw countries set nationally determined contributions, also known as NDCs.

An NDC is a voluntary pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a certain amount.

Each country updates its NDC every five years, increasing its ambitious time.

This encourages countries to take ownership and responsibility, and enable progress to be tracked and action to increase, okay? So each country comes up with its own NDC that it will look at every five years.

So, for example, India's first NDC included increasing non-fossil fuel energy to 40% and also increasing forest cover.

So one of the ways that countries are reducing their CO2 emissions is not just by pumping less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but it's also thinking of ways that we can extract CO2 from the atmosphere, so either through planting trees, 'cause they absorb carbon, but there's also other technology, such as carbon capture storage, which is when CO2 is actually taken out of the atmosphere.

Okay, let's learn what we've learned so far.

So what did the Paris Agreement set the global goal to limit temperature increase to? That was 1.

5 degrees C.

Well done if you got that right.

Now, the Paris Agreement provides financial and technological support to help countries mitigate climate change in the Anthropocene.

Lower-income and middle-income income countries may lack financial resources, technology, and/or infrastructure needed to reduce emissions.

By providing this help, the Paris Agreement tries to ensure that all nations can contribute to and benefit from global climate goals.

So if you think about it, if a country has limited money, it needs to use that money for helping the countries, the people of the country's well-being, improving development of that country.

So they might not always have spare money to work on climate goals, basically.

So the Paris Agreement helps those lower-income countries by providing financial support, so they can still be on this global mission to reduce and tackle climate change.

Now, for example, Indonesia has received support for renewable projects, reducing fossil fuel reliance, cutting emissions, and boosting clean energy access.

Some countries, especially rich ones, have produced more pollution over time.

They built their economies by burning fossil fuels, which has added a lot of carbon to the atmosphere.

Because of this, they have a bigger responsibility to lead the fight against climate change.

That means cutting their emissions faster and helping other countries adapt and grow in greener ways.

So I want you to have a think.

What countries do you think have contributed the most to overall CO2 emissions? So not just thinking about who's producing the most CO2 now, but thinking about overall who has produced the most.

Have a think.

Okay, so on the slide here, we can see which countries and areas of the world have contributed the most, okay? So we can see that North America and Europe as continents account for 62% of all emissions.

So they overall have contributed the most.

And Asia is the third largest contributor, with China accounting for 12.

7 of the emissions, okay? So there is sometimes this misconception that China and India are the largest contributors overall, but actually, North America and Europe in the past have contributed much, much more.

So I want you to have a think about that.

Why do you think North America and Europe are the largest contributors? Now, North America and Europe have contributed the most to total CO2 emissions, mainly because they industrialised first, so from the 1760s onwards.

So that was the building of factories and mass production of items, when people moved away from living in the countryside and working in farming, for example, and they moved to the cities and worked in factories.

These emissions have accumulated in the atmosphere over time, contributing to the defining environmental impacts of the Anthropocene.

As a result, even though some countries emit less today, their historical emissions still account for a large share of the total.

Wealthier lifestyles, so high-energy use, and a mass production also continue to play a role.

So in general, these countries are richer countries as well.

So more people in these countries consume a lot of energy, so through using a lot of electricity, transport, owning cars, things like that.

Okay, so let's check what we've learned.

True or false, China has contributed the most to CO2 emissions.

That is false.

And can you tell me why? North America and Europe have contributed the most total CO2 emissions, mainly because they industrialised first.

Well done if you got that right.

Now, not all countries agree on climate targets or financial commitments.

So on the slide here, I'm gonna put some different opinions from leaders around the world.

So we've got one here, "We are reducing emissions and investing in green tech, but every country must carry their weight.

It's about shared responsibility." "Going green too fast could hurt our economy.

We need a fair and flexible plan that respects our right to develop," okay? So that's thinking, "Well, other countries have managed to, you know, burn lots of fossil fuels, which has helped them get richer quicker.

Why can't we do that now too?" "We're on the front lines of climate change.

Rising seas threaten our homes.

We need urgent action and support now," okay? So that's from a country that's already seeing the effects of climate change in its country.

"Our priority is lifting people out of poverty.

We need time and support to grow sustainably.

We didn't create this problem alone," okay? So there's another opinion from leaders of all around the world.

So that is something that's discussed in the COPs, is that, you know, different countries will have a different viewpoint about, you know, what actions should be taken and how fast it should happen.

So it can be very, very difficult to come up with a shared goal for some of these actions to take place.

Okay, true or false, countries generally agree on climate targets.

That is false.

And can you tell me why? Not all countries agree on climate targets or financial commitments.

Well done if you got that right.

Okay, we're onto our first task for this lesson.

Okay, so on the slide, we've got the image source that we saw earlier, which shows the countries that have contributed the most to CO2 emissions.

And then we've got two questions on the slide here.

Which three continents have most contributed to CO2 emissions? And why do you think these continents have contributed the most CO2? So pause the video and have a go at those questions.

Okay, for this third question, I would like you to look at the aims of the Paris Agreement and give one practical step that could be taken for each aim.

Now, I've done one for you to help you out.

So working together to protect the planet.

So ensure there is a meeting held each year to make sure governments can discuss and make actions on climate action, okay? So pause the video and see if you can come up with a practical action for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping poorer nations deal with the climate impacts.

Okay, so we've got answers for the first two here.

So, Europe, North America, and Asia are the three largest continent contributors.

So why do you think these countries have contributed the most to CO2? So this is my answer.

You didn't have to put exactly this, but hopefully, you've got something similar.

North America and Europe industrialised early using coal, oil, and gas to grow their economies.

For over 100 years, they burned large amounts of fossil fuels.

So their emissions have built up over time.

That's why their share of total CO2 is the highest.

Asia currently produces a lot of emissions due to its high population and industrial growth.

So, hopefully, you've got something along those lines.

If you haven't, it might be worth pausing the video and editing your answer.

Okay, so I've got some practical actions for these goals of the Paris Agreement.

So for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, governments can invest more in renewable energy and move away from using fossil fuels.

And helping poorer nations deal with climate change, governments can set a certain amount of their money to help countries adapt, who will suffer from more climate change, such as Bangladesh.

Okay, so, now, we're on to our second learning cycle, looking at NGOs and citizen action.

Now, climate action isn't just up to governments.

Non-governmental organisations, also known as NGOs, and everyday people can also play powerful roles.

NGOs can raise awareness, pressure leaders to act, and support local and global solutions.

And citizens can make climate-friendly choices, join protests, sign petition, and vote for leaders who care about the environment.

Together, they can influence change at local, national, and global levels.

An NGO, or non-governmental organisation, is a nonprofit group that operates independently from government control.

NGOs are typically formed by individuals or organisations to address social, environmental, humanitarian, or political issues.

Examples of NGOs trying to protect the environment in the Anthropocene include Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, and Friends of the Earth.

So an example of an NGO taking climate action is Greenpeace, okay? So Greenpeace fights climate change by opposing the use of fossil fuels and promoting clean energy like wind and solar.

So here are some examples of things that they do, push governments to protect forests, organise peaceful protest to draw media attention, publish reports that expose environmental damage, and their goal is to create a safer planet for future generations.

Okay, let's check what we've learned.

How is Greenpeace fighting against climate change? They organise protests, expose polluters, and push governments to protect forests, which absorb carbon.

Their goal is to create a safer planet for future generations.

Well done if you got that right.

Now, everyone can help fight climate change in their own way.

Citizens can reduce their carbon footprint by using less energy, eating less meat, recycling, and choosing public transport or walking.

They can also amplify their voices by signing petitions, talking to friends and family about the issue.

And voting for leaders who support climate action is one of the most powerful ways to create change.

When individuals take action together, their impact can be global.

So I want you to have a think.

What are you going to do to fight against climate change? Have a quick chat with your partner.

Okay, we've got two examples here from Izzy and Jacob.

So Jacob says, "I'm going to try and eat less meat.

I've spoken to my family, and we are going to try get the train on our next holiday rather than fly by plane." Excellent examples there, Jacob.

And we've got one from Izzy, "I'm going to cycle to school rather than get dropped off in the car.

I'm also going to create a climate action group at school." That's a great idea, Izzy.

Well done.

Now, the youth climate strikes, led by figures like Greta Thunberg, have sparked a global movement for climate action.

By signing petitions, joining protests, and voting for green policies, citizens can push leaders to act, okay? So we've got a quote here from Greta Thunberg's 2019 TED Talk.

So she said in this, "The climate crisis has already been solved.

We already have all the facts and solutions.

All we have to do is wake up and change." So we've got two quotes here from climate activists.

So the first one is from Ridhima Pandey.

So she said, "I want to say that as we children from all over the world are fighting for climate justice, we hope that it will bring a positive change.

This change will benefit those who troll us as well." And we've got another one from Vanessa Nakate, "The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, it's a social justice issue.

We cannot separate the two because those who contribute the least to this crisis suffer the most." Okay, so what I would like you to do to check our understanding is give three ways individuals can take climate action.

Okay, let's see what we've got here then.

So we could reduce our carbon footprint, joining climate marches, signing petitions, and talking to friends and family about the issue, and voting for leaders who support climate action.

Okay, we're on to our final task for the lesson.

So what I would like you to do is think about your climate contribution.

So think about your daily habits, and make a personal promise to take action against climate change.

So step one, I want you to reflect.

Think about how you use energy, travel, eat, and shop, what small changes could you make that would help protect the planet.

And then step two, you're going to write your pledge.

Write a short pledge, starting with, "I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint by.

." Okay, so on the slide there, there are some examples if you need some help getting going with this.

So pause the video and have a go at writing your climate pledge.

Okay, and finally, for this lesson, I'd like you to create a persuasive speech to inspire people, companies, and governments to act against climate change.

So in your speech, I'd like you to include why is climate change important, who is responsible for taking action, what actions can people take to help, and why should we all care and get involved.

So pause the video and have a go at writing a persuasive and inspiring speech.

Okay, so, here, we've got an example of a pledge.

So here's mine, "I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint by walking or biking to school at least three days a week instead of getting in a car ride.

I'll also eat less meat by having vegetarian meals twice a week, and try to waste less food by planning my meals better.

These changes will help lower pollution and protect the planet for future generations." And here, we've got my example speech, "Climate change is a serious problem that affects us all.

The Earth is heating up, causing extreme weather and harm to plants and animals.

We all need to help by using less energy, recycling, and supporting clean energy.

It's also important to tell leaders to make strong climate laws.

Small actions from each of us can help make a big difference.

Together, we can protect our planet for the future.

Thank you." Okay, so, here, we've got a summary for today's lesson.

Climate change is a global issue that requires international cooperation.

Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to reduce global emissions.

Some countries pollute more and have greater responsibility to act.

Not all countries agree on climate targets or financial commitments.

And NGOs and citizens can influence climate action at different levels.

Right, that's it from me.

So fantastic job in today's lesson.

And I'll see you next time.

Bye.