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In this section you can find links to climate-related websites, books, news and more! Climate science
Global and national responses
Climate change in the community
Climate change in art
Resources for schools Climate scienceClimate science websites
An unfathomable amount of information exists online, and much of it contains confusing and at times contradictory accounts of climate change. To avoid the confusion, take a look at these websites.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The IPCC Assessment Report 4 (AR4) is the most comprehensive and authoritative synthesis of climate science available. It is all available free online. The three vast volumes of the report cover the Physical Science, Impacts and Mitigation of climate change. It is a synthesis of the state of knowledge compiled by over 3,000 scientists from across the world. The Physical Science report is an excellent place to gain a deep understanding of the scientific basis of climate change. The summary and FAQ sections are recommended reading for an introduction to climate change. The first chapter gives a history of the science.
RealClimate
This website was set up by NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt to provide the public with clear communications on climate science. It is also an excellent resource for assessing the scientific basis for climate change. Although it deals with some advanced science, it also has a clear section on basic science links.
Columbia University
Jim Hansen is widely regarded as the best climate scientist ever. He is NASA’s chief climate scientist and has helped shape the scientific discourse on climate change like no one else. Hansen’s work represents the best climate science. It is dense and complex, but it provides a clear scientific perspective on the problems climate change presents, and how to solve them.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
The official website of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change includes links to various publications and statistical information about Greenhouse Gas emissions
World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives. These two-page fact sheets provide objective information on important policy concepts. Climate science booksOther than the IPCC reports available online, most comprehensive works on climate science appear in book format. Here’s three good ones. Global warming: Understanding the Forecast, by David Archer
A detailed book drawing heavily on the scientific literature but tackling a wide scope.
Climate and Global Environmental Change, by Danny Harvey
This is a clear, introductory climate change science textbook.
The Rough Guide to Climate Change, by Robert Henson
An authoritative and up-to-date guide on the measurements, science and solutions to climate change. Global and national responsesThe responses of countries that are part of the International Climate Challenge, are illustrated in more detail in some of the resources below. International opinionBBC world opinion poll
A clear overview of national opinion about climate change in 22 influential countries. It highlights differences between countries rather than within countries, but provides a useful global context for understanding opinions within nation states.
World Public Opinion
This international website conducts quick polls in many countries about a range of issues. On climate change, it finds there is ‘strong support around the world for decisive action to reduce the emission of climate-changing gases’.
The UN’s work on climate change
The UN’s work is neatly summarised online. This website takes a sober look at a range of responses to climate change from an international perspective. The Indian climate change debateThe Center for Social Markets
An organisation advocating business engagement on climate change, CMS helps businesses to reach the goals of ‘people planet and profit’ through ‘corporate social responsibility’.
CSE India
An independent organisation operating in the public’s interest. It publishes accessible reports on a wide range of environmental issues, many of which are linked to climate change.
India’s national action plan on climate change was released in June 2008. It gives priority to continued economic growth over slowing the growth of emissions growth, but aims to implement a range of national programs. According to the plan, emissions “will at no point exceed that of developed countries even as we pursue our development objectives.”
India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests conducts the government’s work on many of the issues most pertinent to climate change: Deforestation, energy security and international comparisons. The site is informative, but like many state publications, is bland. The Kenyan climate change debateMEMR
The Ministry for Environment and Mineral Resources is responsible for Kenya’s climate policy. Their website contains broad policy goals, such as the reforestation of large areas of land, but little on smaller-scale initiatives.
NEMA
Kenya’s national environment management authority coordinates the nation’s environmental resources, advises government and monitors key indicators. There is a short section on Kyoto that shows the importance of international cooperation for Kenyan climate policy.
KOEE
Kenya’s organisation for environmental education. By focusing on sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals, it strives to achieve the motto: ‘taking action – safe Earth’.
WWF
WWF provides a short page summarizing the impacts of climate change in Kenya. The website takes scientific facts from the IPCC’s comprehensive assessment of climate change, and links them to everyday lives. The UK climate change debateSustainable energy without the hot air
This book is by a physicist from the University of Cambridge. He talks with authority on many issues that have received hyped or derogatory press in the UK media. Wind, biofuels, nuclear – all these energy sources are investigated with concise precision. Highly recommended and free online.
George Monbiot
Monbiot’s book Heat explains the UK’s climate change policy and offers a wealth of ideas for tackling climate change, some which have since entered both science and business literature.
The Royal Society
The UK’s most prestigious scientific organisation has been a source of reasoned argument for many years. Climate change controversies tackles common misunderstandings of science with this clear, attractive site.
Energy futures
This concise report by the prestigious Tyndall Centre shows UK citizens’ attitudes towards nuclear power, climate change and energy options. It shows a strong majority want change while the political system has been slow to respond. Climate change in the community
Community Solutions
Community Solutions tackle the related problems of climate change and peak oil. To deal effectively with climate change, it is clear that we will have to be less reliant on fossil fuels. Thus adaptation involves preparing for changes in weather patterns, and preparing for lower levels of oil consumption. This site provides practical, community-scale solutions.
Practical Action
Practical Action is a small charity that aims to implement simple technology on a community scale to prepare for resource depletion and climate change. Their information on decentralized energy systems are relevant to industrialised and developing countries alike. http://www.practicalaction.org.uk/?id=cross_curricular_resources
Practical ideas to incorporate climate change into cross-curricular activies – aimed at ages 7-14 but may provide inspiration. Climate change in the community - get involvedIt’s getting hot in here
A global coalition of youth leaders and activists affiliated with the Climate Action Network.
350.org
This youth-led climate advocacy network creates a powerful case for doing what the science dictates: divert global priorities to achieve the target of 350ppm CO2 in the atmosphere.
Bicycology
A coalition of young people from around the UK who want change, and they’ve got a plan: pedal for the planet! Transport is their main interest but they also advocate change on many other issues from diet to climate policy. Climate change in the community - young enterprisesJake’s bikes
Jake’s bikes represents the positive steps taken by an increasing number of young people around the world: taking the initiative and starting up a low-carbon company! Create your own business plan and get started!
Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International has a youth scheme aimed at 15-19 year-olds to open the doors for renewable construction on a massive scale. Government InstitutionsCanRen
CanREn, a Canadian government initiative to promote renewable energy, has set up an impressive resource page for young people.
Government of India
The Indian Ministry of Environment’s page dedicated to young people explains the basics of climate change and offers some additional resources.
Internet searches and browsing can educate us about the scope for change but be warned: do not get bogged down by the internet. The important point is to turn knowledge into action, and there is nothing better than getting involved in your own communities. Climate change in art
WebsitesCapefarewell
This charitable organization raises awareness of climate change through art. It claims to ‘pioneer the cultural response to climate change’ and has a huge range of inspiring images from across the world.
Ken Sprague Fund
This independent award scheme set up a competition for climate change cartoons. It prompted many interesting pieces and was covered here in the Guardian.
Franke James’ blog
A visually appealing and verbally refreshing website from artist Franke James, who deals with global climate change and other environmental issues with style.
Grist
A renowned environment and society website that tackles issues in a culturally aware and articulate manner. Often written from a US perspective, it is nevertheless pertinent to the entire world.
Art into action
A UN funded art institution tackling climate change head-on. This website links to a multitude of others which take a pro-active attitude to art and climate. FilmsThe age of stupid
Intense documentary drama from the producer of the documentary ‘McLibel’. This video is recommended watching for anyone wanting to see the full human implications of climate change.
An inconvenient truth
US politician Al Gore tackles climate change from the ground up. It is difficult to call this documentary ‘art’ but the narration is moving enough to raise the eyebrows of even the most skeptical environmentalist. It even has a sketch of ‘climate change Simpsons’ – unmissable for those wanting a clear lowdown on climate change.
The 11th hour
A shocking documentary narrated by Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio. This film is as unnerving as it is motivating and leaves the ending up to us. Green
A webpage aiming to raise awareness about the environment by collating films with an entirely green agenda. ExhibitionsChildren’s exhibition on climate change
A Ugandan project supported by Oxfam shows off some views of climate change from developing countries. The link directs viewers to a video describing the context of the childrens’ art.
International cartoon exhibition “Environment”, Bali
A low-profile event hosted by the Indonesian Cartoonists Association highlighting cutting edge artwork tackling global environmental issues.
Resources for schools Global Dimension
The majority of the resources listed here can be found via the Global Dimension (DFID funded) website. There are many more to look through by searching Climate Change as a topic in the left hand browser on the Global Dimension homepage.
Action Aid - Power Down
Action Aid - Power Down offers climate change toolkits for primary and secondary schools. This toolkit supports learners in investigating energy use at home and in their school, how this may link in with climate change, and the effects of extreme weather on people living in India and Bangladesh.
The Association for Science Education
The Association for Science Education – Science across the world innovative project aims to link young people (11-14 and 14-16 year olds) in different countries through the exploration of science topics. Schools need to register initially to use the site, and then can gain access to the different topic discussion forums. Many of the discussions take place online, but there are several topics that have downloadable worksheets. All of the sciences are covered, and some of the recent topics include acid rain, biodiversity, renewable energy and global warming.
Centre for Research, Education and Training in Energy
CREATE – Centre for Research, Education and Training in Energy has various resources available for schools and teachers.
Earthwatch learning resources
EarthWatch have produced a superb set of resources that explore scientific evidence around climate change, its impacts and its mitigation. It is aimed at 11-14 and 16+. The downloadable pack includes six PDFs which cover: Climate Change: The Basics; Impact on Biodiversity; Social and Economic Impacts; Reducing CO2 Emissions; Carbon Capture and Storage; and Adaptation - Biodiversity, Social and Economic. Each PDF includes case studies, detailed scientific information and debates, statistical and discussion activities and links for students to conduct further research. There are also a series of additional case studies and a set of PDFs that give instructions on how to conduct statistical analysis. The resources can be used for a series of lessons or individually, curriculum links to GCE AS and A2 Level etc.
The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes
The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes has published a guide for secondary schools - Tackling Climate Change: Guidance for Secondary Schools - on how to tackle climate change across the curriculum, campus and community. The Guide demonstrates how addressing energy use and carbon emissions can help schools deliver against government targets, as well as explaining what steps schools can take to tackle climate change and what support is available to them. The Guide is available to download from the EEPH website above.
Field Studies Council 'Rethink Refuse Reduce'
The book Rethink Refuse Reduce published by the Field Studies Council exposes problems in current thinking about sustainable development, and suggests new solutions. Intelligently presented activities, quotes, fact boxes, discussion points, illustrations, briefing documents, and an interesting section on teaching and learning styles make this book excellent value for money. Although the book addresses complex issues, they are presented in an accessible, thoughtful language. The book dramatically departs from the standard recycling-focused environmental education approach, and suggests that much more is needed at the individual, local, national and international level. The book would be ideal for a professional development session, and includes ideas that could be adapted for the classroom, for an advanced 14-16 or post-16 audience.
Friends of the Earth - Shout About Climate Solutions
The Friends of the Earth - Shout About Climate Solutions pack, developed by teachers and climate change experts, looks at the main causes of climate changes. It is for 11-14 year olds and aims to “enable young people to make the connection between their own lives and the wider problems; and looks at existing solutions and how the Government, business and they themselves can be part of bringing the solutions to life”.
Oxfam'x Climate Chaos
Oxfam's Climate Chaos website provides a week of activities about climate change for ages 9–11.
Plan UK resource pack
Plan UK has developed a Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds) resource pack to accompany its Make the Link, Be the Change international climate change project. It contains Frequently Asked Questions for teachers, lessons plans, teachers' notes and a feedback form. Students and youth organisations from 12 countries are taking part; from Bangladesh, Philippines,Indonesia, El Salvador, Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, Senegal, Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone and UK. This programme of work is free to use as an educational resource, but subject to strict Plan / NML copyright regarding commercial use and distribution. For details please see terms and conditions provided on-line.
Climate Choices
What is climate change? What causes it? What can I do? These are all questions that are looked at on the Climate Choices website from Practical Action for 7 – 11 year olds. The practical classroom activities present the issues in an easy to follow format, which will engage pupils in the questions and help them to make informed responses to the issues. The three main areas explored are climate change, carbon dioxide and food choices – and curriculum links are provided. The downloadable resources include interactive PowerPoint presentations for white boards, videos and PDFs.
Practical Action
The Leadership Challenge of Climate Change also by Practical Action helps students explore who should take responsibility for reducing the effects of climate change through role play involving different perspectives which promote discussion and debate. With back up information for teachers, this is suitable for Key Stage 3 and 4 students in citizenship and geography.
Operation Climate Control
"Operation: Climate Control", a 'Makes You Think' game, has been developed by Red Redemption & Stone Ashdown Trust, funded by the DEFRA Climate Challenge Fund. It is an excellent website that provides an interactive learning environment aimed at teaching KS 4 students (14-16 years old) about the challenges of climate change. The site contains links to the GSCE science curriculum, and includes background notes and information for teachers. It and will soon add lesson plans as well.
Thinking Through Climate Change
Thinking Through Climate Change is a very helpful website that covers many issues related to climate change, from a scientific, social, political and geographical perspective. Teachers of various curriculum areas will find it helpful, as the site includes activities for on data collection and processing, writing and creating blogs, perceiving bias and separating fact from opinion, conservation and awareness, and much more. The site includes classroom discussion points and worksheets as well as online interactive activities. It is suitable for secondary students.
WWF UK Earth Hour
The WWF UK Earth Hour will take place on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8.30pm as people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to show their support for global action on climate change. Schools have an important role to play in leading and championing action on climate change. Therefore, to support Earth Hour, WWF is producing a range of resources for schools which can be used for an 'Hour for the Earth' event in the days of week leading up to Earth Hour. School should sign up on-line to receive resources and show you care about climate change.
Guide to Online Schools
Geography resources, maps & facts for students. Geography is all around us. It’s what makes countries different – both in terms of landscape as well as in terms of culture. Geography is the study of where places are, but it's also the study of who lives in those places, what the places look like, and how those places developed, socially and geologically, into its modern form.
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