The 4 Most Important Climate Change Charts
Articles/Websites
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Project Drawdown
What it is
- This article presents four key data visualizations that illustrate the need to tackle climate change from a variety of angles.
- Students will understand how other greenhouse gases impact climate change, how different sectors and activities emit greenhouse gases, and how to use this information to create a more effective plan for climate action.
Teaching tips
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students are familiar with greenhouse gases, climate change, and the various sectors that generate emissions.
- Consider defining the terms global warming potential, anthropogenic, and others ahead of time.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use the four charts as a jigsaw activity: assign each small group one chart to analyze deeply, then share findings with the whole class.
- Ask students to consider what is meant by a "portfolio approach" to climate action.
Literacy Connections:
- Have students use the Key Takeaways section to identify details throughout the text that support each of these main ideas.
Extensions:
- Have students check out Project Drawdown's Solutions Explorer and find a solution to read about and share with the class. Discuss how these solutions can be combined in an approach to mitigate climate change.
From the scientist review
This resource presents a holistic view of the scope of greenhouse gas emissions through four clear charts. Important climate change myths are confronted through each figure and accompanying text. This resource is exceptionally well-sourced, with data aggregated from trusted sources such as IPCC, EDGAR, and Global Carbon Budget. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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