New
New
Consumption and climate change
I can explain how consumption of resources contributes to climate change and identify solutions to reduce impact.
Lesson 11 of 12
New
New
- Year 9
Consumption and climate change
I can explain how consumption of resources contributes to climate change and identify solutions to reduce impact.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- More greenhouse gases means more insulation of the planet, causing global warming.
- Human energy and food consumption can worsen global warming.
- Individual consumer choices, innovative farming practices and government policies can reduce global warming.
- The UK committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
Keywords
Consumption - the process of using up resources
Climate change - a large-scale and long-term change in the planet’s climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures
Greenhouses gas - gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat
Common misconception
Methane from cow flatulence causes global warming.
Ruminant animals (like cows and sheep) produce methane during digestion, 90–95% of this is released through eructation (burping). Methane is a greenhouse gas, which insulates our planet.
Homework: ask students to calculate their carbon footprint using an online calculator and identifiy ways in which they will reduce their carbon footprint in the next week.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Solar power is an example of a resource.
Solar power is an example of a resource.
Q2.What does the phrase "extraction of resources" mean?
What does the phrase "extraction of resources" mean?
To protect natural resources
To add resources to nature
To preserve all resources
Q3.Why is overconsumption a problem?
Why is overconsumption a problem?
It creates more renewable resources
It makes prices lower
It encourages people to save more
Q4.Which of these is a sustainable action?
Which of these is a sustainable action?
Leaving taps running
Using coal for energy
Throwing away plastic bottles
Q5.What does sustainable development try to balance?
What does sustainable development try to balance?
Speed and comfort
Growth and waste
Pollution and weather
Q6.Which of these is a challenge with natural resource use?
Which of these is a challenge with natural resource use?
Unlimited supply
Everyone uses the same amount
They grow on trees
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to its definition:
Match the keyword to its definition:
Q2.What causes climate change?
What causes climate change?
Solar panels
Wind turbines
Trees absorbing carbon
Q3.Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Iron
Q4.Why is it incorrect to say cow flatulence is the main source of methane?
Why is it incorrect to say cow flatulence is the main source of methane?
Cows don’t produce methane
It’s just a myth
Methane is not a greenhouse gas
