Prophecy and Climate Change

Students firstly examine the definition of the word ‘prophecy’. The definition is broken down further with
each key word being examined thus ensuring a clear understanding of the term. Using this understanding, students then consider how it might feel to be a prophet and how a prophet may be seen by others, making notes in and around a person outline.
Students are then introduced to some prophets (3 religious prophets from Judaism / Christianity / Islam;
2 modern-day, non-religious prophets). Students may wish to add notes to their person outline, using information from the case studies.
They then further explore whether it’s always easy to be a prophet: Greta Thunberg is looked at as an example of how acting in a prophetic way (speaking out about what you believe to be the truth that you think that mainstream society is not acting on) can bring challenges and attacks.
Students consider whether speaking out about climate change might be called prophecy for our times, and why this is often an unpopular message for people to hear due to the lifestyle changes it may force them to consider.
Students are then introduced to a range of ‘speaking out’ scenarios and are asked to consider whether they would find it easy to speak prophetically (to voice a truth that may be unpopular). This is discussed
as a whole class before ending on two final reflection questions:
– What do I think needs speaking out about in

Students can explain the significance of the threat that Climate Change poses to life-forms on earth.
They are aware that the speed of change is exceeding most scientific forecasts
Students know that what individuals and the global community as a whole do now, will determine the probable future in terms of life on Earth.