An Inconvenient Truth

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

The International Response to Climate Change

Since 2006, the discussion of climate change has reached the global stage of politics. In fact, many Member States (i.e., countries) of the United Nations signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (also known as the Paris Agreement) in 2015 with the intention of setting international goals to reduce global warming.

For this activity, you will select one of the United Nations Member States and report on its progress toward meeting the objectives set out in the accord. For example, if you select the Member State of the United States, you will research which actions the U.S. has taken to reduce its emissions globally.

Use the following questions to guide your research:

• When did your Member State sign the Paris Agreement? Are they still signatories today?
• What action plan did your Member State create in order to address climate change?
• Has your Member State reported any data on its progress?

Teaching Suggestion: This activity will challenge students’ research abilities, particularly as they navigate more elevated language than they may be used to on the relevant United Nations and national websites.