Climate Change Impacts Across Canada
A cross-country survey of how climate change is manifesting differently in each Canadian province and territory.
Key Questions
- Analyze why the Prairies are experiencing increased risks of drought and extreme heat.
- Explain how sea-level rise and coastal erosion threaten communities in Atlantic Canada.
- Predict the economic and social impacts of reduced snow cover on industries like tourism and winter sports in Ontario.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
How do we get people and businesses to reduce their carbon emissions? This topic explores the controversial world of carbon pricing, focusing on carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems. Students learn how these policies are designed to change consumer behavior by making 'dirty' energy more expensive and 'clean' energy more competitive.
This unit also addresses the political challenges of implementing climate policy. Students investigate the debate over how the government should spend the revenue from carbon taxes. This topic benefits from structured debates where students must weigh the economic costs for families against the long-term environmental benefits of reducing emissions.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: The Carbon Market
Divide the class into 'companies' with different emission levels. They are given 'carbon credits' and must decide whether to invest in clean tech or buy more credits from other companies to stay within their limit.
Formal Debate: To Tax or Not to Tax?
Students debate the effectiveness of the federal carbon tax. They represent the perspectives of a low-income family, a small business owner, and a climate scientist.
Think-Pair-Share: Spending the Rebate
Pairs are given a fictional 'carbon tax revenue' and must decide how to spend it (e.g., giving it back to citizens, investing in transit, or funding green tech). They share their 'budget' with the class.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionA carbon tax is just a way for the government to take more money.
What to Teach Instead
In Canada, most of the money is returned to citizens through 'climate action incentive' payments. Analyzing a tax return or a government rebate chart helps students see how the money flows.
Common MisconceptionCarbon pricing will solve climate change on its own.
What to Teach Instead
It is just one tool in the toolbox; we also need regulations, technology, and individual action. A 'climate solutions' brainstorm helps students see carbon pricing as part of a larger strategy.
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a carbon tax?
What is a cap-and-trade system?
Does taxing carbon actually change behavior?
How can active learning help students understand carbon pricing?
More in Climate Change and Resilience
Science of the Greenhouse Effect
Reviewing the fundamental science of how greenhouse gases trap heat and how human activities are intensifying this effect.
3 methodologies
Albedo Effect & Arctic Amplification
Investigating the albedo effect and its role in accelerating warming in the Arctic, with global implications.
3 methodologies
Carbon Pricing & Climate Policy
Debating the effectiveness of carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems as tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3 methodologies
Adaptation vs. Mitigation Strategies
Distinguishing between climate change mitigation efforts (reducing emissions) and adaptation efforts (living with changes).
3 methodologies
Indigenous Climate Leadership & TEK
Highlighting how Indigenous communities are using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to monitor and adapt to climate change.
3 methodologies