COP28 Explained: Teaching the Next Generation about Climate Action

As teachers, you play a crucial role in shaping the minds of the next generation, and what better way to inspire young minds than by delving into the global conversations around climate action? COP28, or the 28th Conference of the Parties, recently took place from November 30th to December 12th in Dubai, bringing together world leaders to address pressing environmental issues. In this blog post, we'll provide a summary of key events and decisions made during the summit, along with practical ideas on how you can integrate COP28 into your KS1 and KS2 science curricula.

COP28, held in Expo City, Dubai this year, marked another milestone in the global effort to combat climate change. The summit focused on addressing the urgent need for international collaboration to reduce carbon emissions, preserve biodiversity and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Key decisions included an increase in climate finance, improving collaboration between government and stakeholders and looking ahead to create goals and policies which align with the 1.5°C temperature limit.

Now, let's explore ways to incorporate COP28 into your science lessons for both KS1 and KS2, aligning with the National Curriculum.

KS1:

Climate Change Basics:

• Start with simple discussions about the weather and seasons.
• Introduce the concept of climate and how it affects living things.

Nature Walks:

• Take your class on a nature walk to observe and discuss changes in their environment.
• Encourage them to document their observations through drawings or simple notes.

Storytelling:

• Share age-appropriate stories about animals and their habitats.
• Discuss how climate change can impact these habitats and the animals living in them.

KS2: 

Research and Presentations:

• Assign small research projects on the impacts of climate change.
• Encourage students to present their findings to the class.

Energy Conservation:

• Explore the importance of energy conservation and discuss renewable energy sources.
• Conduct simple experiments to demonstrate energy-saving practices.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives:

• Engage your class in eco-friendly initiatives within the school, such as recycling programs or planting trees.
• Discuss how these actions contribute to global environmental efforts.

For additional content to use with your class or for an assembly, our unit of lessons on the COP summits contains a variety of ready-made resources to help you explore this crucial topic. You can find these lessons in the COP26 folder in your units and lessons library.

COP28 offers a unique opportunity to connect global issues with classroom learning. By integrating these ideas into your science lessons, you're not only providing valuable knowledge but also fostering a sense of responsibility for the planet in your students. Together, as educators and future leaders, we can inspire positive change for a sustainable future.