History & Geography · Grade 7 · Living in a Global Community · Term 4

Role of NGOs and the UN

Examine the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations in global development and humanitarian efforts.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Natural Resources around the World: Use and Sustainability - Grade 7

About This Topic

Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and a commitment to 'climate justice.' This topic explores how the Earth's climate is changing due to human activity and how these changes are affecting different regions of the world unevenly. Students will learn that while wealthier nations have historically produced the most greenhouse gas emissions, poorer nations and northern communities are often the most vulnerable to the impacts, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather.

The curriculum focuses on the global response to climate change, including international agreements like the Paris Accord. Students will analyze Canada's role in these agreements and the importance of reducing our own carbon footprint. This topic is best taught through 'climate impact' simulations and collaborative investigations into local and global climate solutions.

Key Questions

1. Explain the specific contributions of NGOs like Doctors Without Borders to global well-being.
2. Analyze the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their global impact.
3. Evaluate the challenges faced by international organizations in achieving their objectives.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the specific humanitarian contributions of NGOs like Doctors Without Borders in diverse global contexts.
• Analyze the interconnectedness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their impact on global well-being.
• Evaluate the primary challenges faced by international organizations in delivering aid and achieving development objectives.
• Compare the operational approaches of governmental and non-governmental organizations in addressing global issues.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in Global Affairs

Why: Students need a basic understanding of how countries interact on the international stage to grasp the context for NGO and UN involvement.

Introduction to Global Issues

Why: Prior exposure to concepts like poverty, conflict, and environmental challenges provides a foundation for understanding the work of NGOs and the UN.

Key Vocabulary

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)	An organization that operates independently from any government, often focused on humanitarian aid, development, or advocacy.
United Nations (UN)	An international organization founded to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations worldwide.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	A set of 17 global goals adopted by the UN in 2015, aiming to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.
Humanitarian Aid	Assistance provided to people in need, typically in response to natural disasters, conflicts, or famine.
Global Development	The process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of people across the world.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Climate change is only about 'the weather getting warmer.'

What to Teach Instead

It also leads to more extreme weather, like floods, droughts, and more intense storms. A 'weather vs. climate' sorting activity can help students see the broader patterns of change.

Common Misconception

Canada is too small to make a difference in global emissions.

What to Teach Instead

While our total emissions are small, our per-person emissions are among the highest in the world. A 'per capita' comparison chart can help students see Canada's significant responsibility.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Global Climate Summit

Students represent different countries (e.g., Canada, a small island nation, a rapidly industrializing nation). They must negotiate a plan to reduce global emissions while considering each country's unique needs and responsibilities.

60 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: Climate Justice Case Study

Pairs research how climate change is affecting a specific vulnerable community (e.g., the Inuit in the Arctic or people in Bangladesh). They create a presentation explaining why this is an issue of 'justice.'

50 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Personal vs. Government Action

Students discuss which is more important for fighting climate change: personal choices (like biking) or government laws (like a carbon tax). They share their thoughts on how the two can work together.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) deploys medical teams to conflict zones like Ukraine and areas affected by disease outbreaks such as Ebola in West Africa, providing critical care.
• The United Nations coordinates peacekeeping missions in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and supports refugee resettlement programs through agencies like UNHCR.
• Engineers from organizations like Engineers Without Borders work with communities in rural Peru to design and implement sustainable water and sanitation systems.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a volunteer for an NGO. What is one specific challenge you might face while delivering aid in a remote region, and how could the UN potentially help overcome it?' Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to connect NGO actions with UN support.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study about a global issue, such as a drought in the Sahel region. Ask them to identify: 1) One way an NGO could help, and 2) One way the UN could support long-term solutions. Collect responses to gauge understanding.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write the definition of one Sustainable Development Goal in their own words and name one specific action an NGO or the UN might take to help achieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'climate justice'?

Climate justice is the idea that the people who are least responsible for climate change (the poor and future generations) are often the ones who suffer the most from its effects. It calls for fair solutions that protect the most vulnerable.

How is climate change affecting the Canadian North?

The North is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. This is melting permafrost (which damages buildings and roads) and reducing sea ice (which makes it harder for animals like polar bears to hunt and for people to travel).

What was the goal of the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty signed in 2015. Its main goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, by having every country set their own targets for reducing emissions.

How can active learning help students understand climate change?

By simulating international negotiations, students see that climate change is not just a scientific problem, but a complex political and ethical one. Active learning helps them understand the different perspectives and challenges that countries face in working together toward a common goal.