The greatest challenge of our generation? Tackling climate change from the local to the global

Course Description

Climate change has widely be deemed 'the greatest challenge of our generation'. With recent worldwide climate strikes, COP 26, climate change being front and centre in the 2021 federal election and with increasingly alarming UN reports being issued, the time to act is now. Luckily it seems there is a new generation of young Canadians that are ready to tackle this challenge head on. This course will provide an interactive and engaging overview of the challenges facing both Canadians, and the rest of the world with these issues. It will also present students with an overview of the ways in which climate change can and has been successfully countered while allowing them the opportunity to spend the week building toward what they see as a comprehensive, realistic and sound Canadian climate strategy.
Overview:
This comprehensive course aims to equip high school students with a deep understanding of climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. By combining scientific knowledge with practical skills, the course will empower students to become informed citizens and active participants in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Course Objectives:
1. Develop a solid understanding of climate science and the causes of climate change
2. Explore the current and potential impacts of climate change on various ecosystems and human societies
3. Analyze different approaches to mitigating and adapting to climate change
4. Cultivate critical thinking skills to evaluate climate information and misinformation
5. Empower students to take personal and collective action on climate issues
Course Structure:
The course will be divided into five modules:
Module 1: Climate Science Fundamentals
• Earth's energy balance and the greenhouse effect
• Carbon cycle and other key biogeochemical cycles
• Historical climate patterns and current trends
Module 2: Human Influences on Climate
• Fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions
• Land use changes and deforestation
• Industrial processes and agricultural practices
Module 3: Climate Change Impacts
• Effects on ecosystems and biodiversity
• Impacts on weather patterns and extreme events
• Consequences for human health, food security, and economies
Module 4: Climate Solutions and Adaptation
• Renewable energy technologies
• Sustainable transportation and urban planning
• Climate-resilient agriculture and ecosystem management
• Policy approaches and international agreements
Module 5: Climate Communication and Action
• Analyzing climate data and scientific reports
• Identifying and countering climate misinformation
• Developing climate action plans for schools and communities
Teaching Methods:
The course will employ a variety of engaging teaching methods to cater to different learning styles:
1. Interactive lectures and discussions
2. Hands-on experiments and data analysis exercises
3. Field trips to relevant local sites (e.g., weather stations, renewable energy facilities)