The Globalising World · Term 4

Artificial Intelligence and Society

Students will explore the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, its applications, and its ethical and societal implications.

About This Topic

Climate change is a defining global crisis that requires unprecedented international cooperation. This topic explores the science of global warming, the role of human activity in increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and the international efforts to mitigate these impacts through treaties like the Paris Agreement. Students examine why a global response is necessary and how climate change disproportionately affects developing nations and Indigenous communities.

For Year 10 students, this unit is a study in global governance and environmental sustainability. It highlights the tension between economic growth and environmental protection. Students engage with this complex issue through active learning strategies like simulating a UN climate summit, investigating local climate impacts, and debating the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: UN Climate Change Summit

Students represent different nations (e.g., a major polluter, a developing nation, a low-lying island state). They must negotiate a set of carbon emission targets that everyone can agree on. This highlights the difficulty of achieving global consensus when national interests conflict.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: Local Climate Impacts

In small groups, students research how climate change is affecting a specific region in Australia or the Asia-Pacific (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Islands, or local farming). They create a 'vulnerability report' and propose a local adaptation strategy. Groups present their findings to the class.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Paris Agreement

Students read the core goals of the Paris Agreement. They discuss in pairs whether 'voluntary' targets are enough to solve the crisis and what should happen to countries that fail to meet them. They then share their thoughts on the role of individual action versus government policy.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Climate change is just about 'the weather' getting a bit warmer.

What to Teach Instead

Climate change involves long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, leading to more frequent extreme weather, sea-level rise, and loss of biodiversity. Peer analysis of long-term climate data (not just daily weather) helps students understand the systemic nature of the change.

Common Misconception

One country can solve climate change on its own.

What to Teach Instead

Because greenhouse gases circulate globally, no single nation can stop global warming. It requires a coordinated international effort. Using a 'global emissions' pie chart helps students see that even if one country goes to zero, the global total must still be addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 parties in 2015. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. Students can investigate their own country's 'Nationally Determined Contributions' (NDCs) to the agreement.

Why are developing nations more affected by climate change?

Developing nations often lack the financial resources to build resilient infrastructure, and many are geographically vulnerable to sea-level rise or extreme weather. They also often rely more heavily on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. In class, students can compare the 'climate resilience' of different nations.

What is the difference between mitigation and adaptation?

Mitigation is about reducing the causes of climate change (e.g., cutting emissions), while adaptation is about adjusting to the effects (e.g., building sea walls or planting drought-resistant crops). Students can brainstorm examples of both in their local community.

How can active learning help students understand climate change?

Active learning strategies like UN simulations or local vulnerability investigations help students move beyond 'climate anxiety' to a more proactive understanding. By negotiating targets or proposing adaptations, students see the practical challenges and the necessity of cooperation. This approach fosters critical thinking about one of the most complex problems they will face as adults.

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