Task 4, Lesson 1: Preparing for the Global Climate Summit

AP TopicsGlobal Economics (Globalization; Tragedy of the Commons; relevant laws and treaties)Global Warming(Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change; relevant laws and treaties)

Learning ObjectivesStudents will understand the complexity of finding solutions to global environmental issues.

Lesson Steps in Brief Pacing

1: Framing In5

2: Introduction to Task Assignment10

3: Reading or Lecture: Stabilization Wedges20

4: Draft Protocols30-90

Total time: 65-125 min.

Materials: GCS_T4_L1_Stabilization Wedges_Slides.ppt GCS_T4_L1_Stabilization Wedges.doc GCS_T4_L1_Task 4 Assignment.docx

Teacher Background and Planning Notes: Now that students have information on the population, energy needs, resources, and emissions of their country, they are prepared to attend the summit. Each country will begin by composing an initial protocol proposing specific ways their alliance will reduce emissions using a tool called the “Stabilization Wedge”. They will use this to approach and build a first alliance (between 2-4 countries). Then they will prepare a second draft protocol in those alliances. They will continue to negotiate, debate, and form larger alliances in this way until they can develop a global climate accord or until it is clear that there is no way to come to a global agreement. This task can be done after the AP exam.

GCS, Task 4, Lesson 1: Preparing for Global Climate Summit 1

Lesson Steps in Detail

Step 1: Framing InToday we will start the pre-sessions for the Global Climate Summit. Your job is to research and draft proposals for the protocol. Once the GCS opens, you will form alliances and develop new draft agreements, working toward an agreement that all countries can endorse.

Step 2: Introduction to Task Assignment

Start this task by handing out the Task 4 assignment (GCS_T4_L1_Task 4 Assignment.docx) and going over it. It refers to the Stabilization Wedges pieces, so follow with reading and lecture on what are Stabilization Wedges and how students will they be using them in creating their proposals/protocols.

Step 3: Reading and Lecture: Stabilization Wedges

Students will need time to research and write their draft protocol. You may want to start them in initial alliance groups before the Global Climate Summit officially opens, if you are pressed for time. If so, have them assemble in groups of 2-3 countries they feel they can create a proposal that all members of the group could agree on.

To give students a sense of the amount of change that needs to happen to prevent the doubling amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, they will be using “stabilization wedges”. Explain what a stabilization wedge is with your students (GCS_T4_L1_Stabilization Wedges_Slides.ppt).

Then hand out the GCS_T4_L1_Stabilization Wedges.doc which describes in more detail what students need to do. In summary, they will need to decide which 8 wedges their alliance group would be willing and able to do to prevent climate change. The results of the wedge activity should be used to write their draft protocols.

Step 4: Draft Protocols

Once a draft proposal is created, have students think about what they would be willing to compromise in order to build their alliance group, and which allies they want to work with first in the GCS

Teacher Notes on this lesson:

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