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Technology and Geo-engineering

Introduction

This page provides an introduction to the role of technology in mitigation and adaptation. It begins with a structured mind mapping activity before going on to look at some specific emerging technologies including, Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage as well as ERP technology in nuclear fission through a video library and noting activity. There are several interactive resources then on the emerging and controversial geoengineering technologies. A keyword match-up/glossary as well as informative and structured videos and worksheets. The lesson concludes with students considering the varied geopolitical challenges of climate change, from the source of emissions to geoengineering itself.

Enquiry Question

How do we classify countries and regions in terms of economic development?

Lesson Time: 1 Hour

Lesson Objectives:

  • To evaluate the use of different technologies including geoengineering in the mitigation of climate change

Teacher Notes:

Starter_Mind Mapping Technology Solutions_Synthesis_ Using the PDF provided students should follow the steps to develop a mind map on technology solutions to climate change

Students can check their mind map with the part complete example in the drop-down box

1. Video Comprehension_Technology Solutions_Processes and Possibilities_Students should then use the noting worksheet (best printed out A3) and view the video library to complete detailed notes on different types of technology solutions

2. Thinglink_Identifying Solutions_Processess_See how many of the examples students can match up using the thinglink. This can either be done as a whole class from the front or students can do it individually on their one-to-one device.

3. Thinking Skills_Glossary Activity_Processes_Students can then work in pairs to match up the correct geoengineering technology with the definition provided using the glossary sheet

4. Video Comprehension_Hard Talk on Geoengineering_Processes and Possibilities Hand out the question sheet and students can follow the Hard Talk interview on geoengineering from 5-10 mins

5. Video Comprehension_Processes and Possibilities_Students can then watch the video lecture on climate change mitigation and make notes on:

  1. Carbon capture
  2. Carbon sequestration
  3. Geoengineering

6. Assessment_The Geopolitics of Climate Change_Synthesis_Students should then work with a partner to complete the synthesis sheet on the geopolitics of climate change. It's best to do it with a partner or in small groups. The sheet could be A3 in size. The following tasks should be completed:

  1. Write a description of the issue
  2. Write an explanation of what makes it geopolitical
  3. Provide place examples of geopolitical conflicts/challenges

Student Textbook Links

Starter Activity - Synthesis - Technology Solutions

Try to consider different technology solutions that you already know and mind-map them

  1. Base your mind map on two main headings, adaptation and mitigation.
  2. Now consider what subheadings you should use
  3. Identify examples of technologies that link to each heading
  4. Draw synthesis lines between different factors where you see a connection

Mind Map Template Technology Solutions to Climate Change

Check your mindmap against this partly completed example

Mind Map on Technology Solutions to Climate Change

Activity - Processes and Possibilities - Technology Solutions

Student Activity_Processes and Possibilities_Video Library on Possible Future Technology Solutions

Watch the following video library and complete the table worksheet with notes on each example

Technology Solutions to Climate Change

Activity - Processes - Types of Geo-engineering

Student Activity_Processes_Thinglink Geo-engineering

Try to link the following examples of geoengineering to the correct point in the diagram.

1. Space Mirrors     2. Reflective Aerosols     3. Afforestation     4. Carbon Injection      5. Carbon Storage

6. Biochar     7. Iron Fertilisation        8. Cloud Seeding         9. Artificial Upwelling     10. Alkalinity Addition

Student Activity_Processes_Glossary of Geoengineering

Use the following worksheet to match the description to the example of geoengineering

Geoengineering Glossary

Activity - Processes and Possibilities - Hard Talk

Watch the first 5-10 minutes of the following Hard Talk video on Solar Radiation Management and answer the questions on the worksheet provided

Hard Talk with David Keith

Activity - Processes and Possibilities - Mitigation

Watch the following video on climate change mitigation and make notes on:

  1. Carbon capture
  2. Carbon sequestration
  3. Geoengineering

Assessment

Use the following worksheet for each aspect of climate change:

  1. Write a description of the issue
  2. Write an explanation of what makes it geopolitical
  3. Provide place examples of geopolitical conflicts/challenges
  • The writing frame may be printed A3
  • The description should develop the type of geopolitical issue, and its impact on social, economic, environmental or political aspects
  • This should be fully understood and a clear justification of why it is geopolitical should be developed
  • Place examples and the specific types of conflicts/challenges should be developed

The Geopolitics of Climate Change

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