Nature-based climate solutions KS3 Geography

This wide-ranging lesson focuses on carbon sequestration and its role in mitigating climate change. Students will explore three major carbon stores: forests, blue carbon ecosystems, and the continental shelf, gaining insight into how natural systems can help combat global warming.

Key lesson components include:
Recapping knowledge of the continental shelf and its role in carbon storage
Introducing the Convex Seascape Survey and its research on seabed carbon
Comparing carbon storage potential of different ecosystems through an interactive quiz
Clarifying key carbon-related terms and units
Engaging in a decision-making exercise to evaluate various climate action strategies

The lesson features a mix of activities, including class discussions, quizzes, and a group debate. It aligns with the KS3 Geography and Science curricula, covering aspects of climate change, ecosystems, and environmental management.

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Explain how ocean and coastal habitats help store carbon
Describe how human activities can disrupt blue carbon capture and storage
Evaluate the importance of protecting blue carbon habitats
Analyse and compare different climate action strategies

This thought-provoking lesson encourages students to think critically about complex environmental issues and the potential of nature-based solutions to climate change.

Curriculum links
Geography KS3
Understanding how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate.
Understanding how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems.
Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills, and writing at length.
Cross-curricular connections
Science: ecosystems, carbon cycle
Mathematics: working with large numbers and units, area calculations, proportions and ratios
PSHE: discussing personal and societal responsibilities towards the environment