Why Act Now?
Provided by: TED|Published on: June 2, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Economics
Authors: Kristen Bell, Giant Ant
Location: Earth
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 →
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 →
Synopsis
- This short TED video, narrated by Kristen Bell, explains why it is important to act now to stop climate change.
- Using animated images, the video explains how the costs and consequences of waiting to act will affect future generations.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video provides compelling evidence to support the argument for why it is important to act now to stop climate change.
- The video uses animated images and simple wording which makes this resource appropriate for many ages.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers may want to review the link provided in the "learn more" section to share more information with students before or after viewing the video.
Differentiation
- Subtitles are provided and a transcript is available in 33 languages.
- Economics classes can evaluate the video's figure of 8 trillion dollars per year to scrub 55 gigatons of greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
- Similar resources include this speech by Greta Thunberg, this video introduction describing the significance of 1.5 degrees of global warming, and this video explaining how human activity is impacting the carbon cycle.
The video describes the impact of climate change on humans and on the physical environment. Although there is not much science, it accounts for the economic loss attributed to climate change, thus, the resource is suitable for climate activism.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
