Explore how to accelerate the phase-out of coal

Starter

Ask the pupils: what percentage of our electricity in 2020 was fuelled by coal? Let them consider this for a moment, taking different answers. Then, ask them what percentage of our electricity in 2015 was powered by coal. Discuss the increase or decrease depending on their answer.

Answer: In 2020 in the UK, coal contributed 1.6% of the country's electricity mix. That was down from 25% 5 years ago.

Main Teaching

This lesson explores the promises that each country must make as part of the Paris agreement and identifies coal power as a major source of emissions for every country. It explores the impact that coal has as a pollutant and invites pupils to play their part in the step away from using coal power.

Career Film: This is Christian Sellars. Christian works as a Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory.

Expert Film: This is Christian Sellars. Christian works as a Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory. Christian talks about where the energy you use comes from.

Mission Assignment

Ask the students: What steps can you take to support the phase-out of coal? 

Design an anti-coal campaign and promote alternatives. Consider the following areas to build your campaign:

• Campaign name
• Campaign motto
• Campaign rules- How must your employees get to work, or do you employees work from home? Dress code?
• Coal alternative to promote to the public
• Design an event to campaign for change-
  • Protests
  • Fundraisers
  • Seminars (or E-seminars) with the public
  • Lectures to inform the public

Challenge task: Identify the areas in your life that use the most coal. Fill out a pie chart with your results. Write one sentence conclusion that summarises your highest area of use and next steps to reduce it.