IOE academic writes new textbook to help children understand the science behind climate change

The book looks at climate change over different time periods across millions, thousands and hundreds of years so pupils can gain some perspective on recent global warming. It explores the causes of natural climate change and more recent climate change linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Rather than focusing on computer modelling, the textbook shows climate change as something real that has impacts on people, animals and plants. The new resource gives an evidence-based overview of what has happened in the Earth’s past, what is happening now, what could happen in the future, and what children, adults and governments worldwide can do to help protect our planet from the effects of climate change.

Dr Standish said: “We wanted an approach that gives pupils a sense of hope that climate change is something humanity can address and live with, rather than making them feel scared and guilty about their own consumption and lifestyle. We do this by showing them how countries and people are adapting to warmer climates, rising sea levels and changing patterns of precipitation. We also illustrate what countries have already done to lower greenhouse gas emissions, including producing energy with lower emissions.

“We really aim for students to become involved in this conversation about our future, which means that they need to learn more and deepen their understanding beyond the headlines they may see.”

‘Making Sense of Climate Change’ was published by Ruby Tuesday Books in autumn 2020.

Links

• Making Sense of Climate Change
• View Dr Alex Standish’s research profile
• Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

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Image: Jon Tyson via Unsplash