Discussion points from COP29 for Science Teachers
Are you looking for some key points from the COP29 summit to discuss in class? In this post, we present complex climate issues in a way that’s accessible to your pupils.
Currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 2024 UN Climate Summit (COP29) has brought together leaders to tackle the climate crisis and discuss action points to create a sustainable future. With sustainability at the forefront of many science topics, this is a great opportunity to discuss some points raised at the summit with your class. At Developing Experts, we provide several units of COP-focused lessons that you can use to introduce these topics, but here are some more takeaways from the current summit to get you started.
1.Setting new climate goals
Countries are setting more ambitious climate commitments, targeting a 1.5°C limit in global warming by 2030. This involves reducing emissions and improving climate resilience. To make these concepts relevant to your pupils, you could discuss how temperature affects living things (KS1/KS2) and ecosystems (KS4). What would happen to a frog, a rabbit or an entire woodland ecosystem if the temperature dropped too low or jumped too high? These discussions can lead into understanding how climate change affects living things and the pressing need for these goals.
2. Loss and damage fund for vulnerable countries
A new fund will provide financial support to communities already affected by climate disasters, like floods and rising seas. For KS2 pupils, you could discuss natural disasters and their impacts on people and the environment. This connects to discussions on global responsibility and how countries support each other.
3. Enhanced adaptation finance
COP29 is prioritising finance for climate adaptation, helping countries to prepare for future climate challenges. Whilst students from KS2-KS4 will be familiar with adaptation in animals and plants, it could be interesting to draw parallels to how humans must also adapt to climate changes.
4. Carbon markets and the reduction of greenhouse gases
COP29 introduced carbon markets, where countries can buy credits to offset emissions. Reducing powerful gases like methane is another focus. With KS2 and KS3 classes, discuss greenhouse gases and explain how these affect the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
5. Climate education and green skills
Recognising that young people are the future of climate action, COP29 encourages education on climate change and green skills. With KS2 and KS3 science classes, incorporate discussions about sustainability and renewable energy. Ask your pupils to brainstorm careers that contribute to a green economy; as an added challenge, can they think of any roles that may not currently exist, but might be necessary in the future?
- Discussion prompts for science classes from EYFS to KS4
EYFS/KS1:
- Why do you think that taking care of the planet is important?
- What are some changes you’ve noticed in the seasons?
- What does it mean to ‘save energy’?
KS2:
- What do you think it means when we talk about ‘global warming’?
- What can we learn from nature about adapting to changes?
- Why is it important to help countries affected by climate disasters?
- What are some things we can do every day to reduce waste or save energy?
KS3:
- Why do world leaders meet at events like COP29?
- What is the ‘1.5°C goal’ and why is it important?
- How do carbon markets work and how do they help reduce greenhouse gases?
- How could climate change affect the places and wildlife we know in the UK?
KS4:
- What are some reasons why certain countries contribute more to climate change than others?
- What is climate adaptation, and why is it especially important for some regions?
- Why is education on climate change and ‘green skills’ so important for young people?
- Do you think enough is being done globally to reach climate goals? Why, or why not?
With the help of the discussion ideas and prompts we’ve listed above, your pupils should be able to think critically about climate change and relate it to their own experiences. If you have any questions or thoughts about the COP29 summit that you’d like to share, please reach out to us on social media!
X: @DevelopExperts
Facebook: Developing Experts
Instagram: @developingexperts