How are countries working to overcome the climate crisis?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the UN's role in climate action and compare actions taken by HICs and LICs.
Key learning points
- The UN organises COP summits to unite countries and set climate action goals.
- The UNFCCC framework guides global climate policies, including the Paris Agreement on limiting temperature rise.
- HICs have more resources for climate action but are also major contributors to climate change due to fossil fuel use.
- LICs face challenges in funding climate action but are working with the UN to implement solutions like green energy.
Keywords
United Nations (UN) - an international organisation comprising most countries in the world which aims to promote peace, security and international cooperation
High income country (HIC) - a wealthy nation with high economic development, typically having a strong economy and high gross national income (GNI) per person, where people generally enjoy good incomes and living standards
Low income country (LIC) - a nation with limited wealth and development, often having a low GNI per person, where many face challenges accessing basic services like healthcare and education
Common misconception
Low income countries (LICs) do not take action on climate change because they lack resources.
LICs do face challenges but are actively taking climate action with support from the UN and financial support from other sources. For example, Malawi is improving green energy, like solar power, to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to think critically about the roles of HICs and LICs in climate change. Highlight that HICs contribute more to emissions, while LICs are more vulnerable, and stress the importance of international collaboration, like through the UN.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which international organisation created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Q2.Which extreme weather event in Switzerland in 2022 led to the deaths of hundreds of citizens?
Q3.Climate change has been accelerated due to the burning of what type of fuels?
Q4.What type of organisation is Greenpeace?
Q5.Resource scarcity is likely to increase what between countries?
Q6.Match the word to its definition.
the limited availability of natural resources, such as food and water
basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
the variety of species living together in ecosystems
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: The UN organises annual summits to set climate action goals.
Q2.What was the name of the significant climate treaty signed in 2015?
Q3.What does GNI stand for?
Q4.Match the acronym to its definition.
an international organisation which promotes international cooperation
a wealthy nation with high economic development
a nation with limited wealth and development
Q5.Which of these is an example of an LIC?
Q6.Which statement is true?
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How are countries working to overcome the climate crisis?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How are countries working to overcome the climate crisis?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How effective is the UN and SDGs on promoting sustainability? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.