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Climate Change and Energy
Here is a list of recommended resources for teaching and learning about climate change and energy, including topics such as emissions, greenhouse gases, and energy conservation. Below each resource you will find links to related Facing the Future lessons. View the criteria used to select these resources.
For service learning and action projects related to climate change, visit our Climate Change Action Project Database.
High School Resources
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Climate Change Emissions Calculator Kit
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Perform an in-depth energy audit of your school's campus using the Climate Change Emission Calculator Kit, which helps you calculate greenhouse gas emissions based on detailed information about your school's energy use, waste, and land management.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Action Project | Free
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Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change
Guy Dauncey and Patrick Mazza
This 288-page book provides a comprehensive exploration of energy issues along with practical, easy-to-implement solutions.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780613920926 | $
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Tackling Climate Change in the U.S.
The American Solar Energy report
The American Solar Energy report, "Tackling Climate Change in the U.S.," explains how energy efficiency and use of various renewable energy sources can greatly reduce carbon emissions.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | $
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The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change
Charles Wohlforth
Following a traditional Eskimo whaling crew as well as a team of scientists in Alaska, this 336-page book chronicles the changes that both groups encounter and how they struggle to understand what these changes mean.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780865476592 | $
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Rising Waters: Global Warming and the Fate of the Pacific Islands
Andrea Torrice
This 57-minute video details the personal stories of Pacific Islanders in Kiribati, the Samoas, the atolls of Micronesia, and Hawaii, as well as researchers in the continental United States, putting a human face on the international climate change debate.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | ISBN 1594582785 | $
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Climate Change Reference Guide
Worldwatch Institute
This 17-page report gives an overview of the sources of climate change, measuring climate change, consequences of greenhouse gas buildup, climate diplomacy, and a climate change glossary.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Online Report | Free
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Climate Change Publications
The Australian Greenhouse Office
The Australian Greenhouse Office is a governmental initiative that provides information for students on the greenhouse effect and different greehouse gases. Short student "fact sheets" are included.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Framework Convention on Climate Change
The United Nations
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change provides information about measures taken by countries in response to climate change. Links to the Kyoto Protocol and background information are provided.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Global Warming: Early Warning Signs
Union of Concerned Scientists
Global Warming: Early Warning Signs is a world map showing regional effects of climate change based on the latest scientific findings. Information was compiled by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA's climate change website gives an overview of greenhouse gases, greenhouse gas inventories, and emissions trends and projections.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Greenhouse Gases: Frequently Asked Questions
The National Climate Data Center
The National Climatic Data Center, a division of the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), provides basic information about specific greenhouse gases, sources, and trends.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The IPCC is a scientific intergovernmental body that provides an objective collection of climate change related data. Their website provides documentation, reports, graphics, and speeches related to climate change.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency's website hosts statistics, publications, and surveys about energy usage by country and region.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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The World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases
Japan Meteorological Agency
This website provides basic information on numerous greenhouse gases.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Middle School Resources
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The Green Schools Initiative
Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs
The Green Schools Initiative was founded in 2004 by parent-environmentalists who were shocked by how un-environmental their kids’ schools were and mobilized to improve the environmental health and ecological sustainability of schools in the U.S.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Action Project | Free
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iWalk
National Center for Safe Routes to School
Organize a walk or bike-to-school day as part of an awareness campaign about the health benefits of walking and biking as well as air quality and the environment.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Action Project | Free
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You Can Prevent Global Warming (and save money!)
Jeffrey Langhloz and Kelly Turner
This 370-page book provides 51 tips for reducing greenhouse gas emissions at home while saving money. Potential impacts are reported in dollars saved and pounds of carbon dioxide not emitted.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780740733277 | $
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The Impacts of a Warming Arctic
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment
This 140-page scientific report details the impacts of a warming climate on Arctic ecosystems.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Online Report | Free
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French Fries to Go
Howard Donner
This funny and inspiring 15-minute video follows Charris Ford as he makes the rounds in his veggie fuel powered truck.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | $
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Kilowatt Ours
Jeff Barrie
This video connects energy consumption to environmental and human health impacts, while providing simple ideas for reducing personal energy use. There is a 56-minute and a 38-minute version.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | UPC 782410089690 | $
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Oil on Ice
Dale Djerassi and Bo Boudart
This 90-minute documentary connects the fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gwich'in people to decisions the U.S. makes about energy policy, transportation choices, and other seemingly unrelated matters.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | UPC 1595481584 | $
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The One Degree Factor
National Geographic
This 60-minute episode of Strange Days on Planet Earth, narrated by Edward Norton, explores the impact of climate change on our lives and what we can do to slow rising temperatures.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | UPC 727994752929 | $
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Silent Sentinels
Richard Smith
This 57-minute documentary film takes a broad look at coral reefs and how the coral organism has coped with climate change over time.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | ISBN 1594585113 | $
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Spaceship Earth: Our Global Environment
Kirk Bergstrom and Kit Thomas
Hosted by young people, this 25-minute program travels around the world to explore three primary environmental issues: deforestation, global warming, and ozone depletion.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | $
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The Climate Analysis Indicators Tool
World Resources Institute
The Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT) is an information and analysis tool on global climate change developed by the World Resources Institute.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Climate Change Kids U.S.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA's Climate Change Kids site includes interactive climate animations, an explanation of the difference between weather and climate, and ideas for reducing our climate impact.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Climate Connections: A Global Journey
National Public Radio
On this website students can click on an interactive world map to read and hear National Public Radio (NPR) stories related to climate change around the world.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Climate Witness
World Wildlife Fund
Climate Witness is the Wold Wildlife Fund's initiative to document the direct experiences of people who are witnessing the impacts of climate change on their local environments. WWF works with scientists around the world who provide scientific background information to the climate witness testimonies.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Cool Cities - Solving Global Warming One City at a Time
Sierra Club
The Cool Cities campaign empowers city residents and local leaders to join and encourage their cities to implement smart energy solutions to save money and build a cleaner, safer future.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Global Warming 101
Will Steger Foundation
The Global Warming 101 initiative raises broad public awareness about global warming as witnessed through Will Steger's polar expeditions.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Creating an Energy-Efficient World
Alliance to Save Energy
This website provides energy information and conservation ideas including money-saving ways to reduce one's ecological footprint.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Low Carbon Solutions
The Climate Group
The Climate Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing business and government leadership on climate change. The section on "Low Carbon Solutions" features ways that businesses and governments can lower their CO2 emissions.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government
Energy Information Administration
The Energy Information Administration provides energy statistics about conventional and renewable energy sources. The site also releases energy forecasts and analysis about energy use and demand for upcoming months and years.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Tread Lightly
TakingITGlobal
This educational resource for secondary school teachers includes lesson plans that are specifically designed to run in parallel with global climate change events leading up to and including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Tread Lightly also provides complimentary use of TIG virtual classroom communities, allowing students to collaborate globally with other participating schools and classes.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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The Ultima Thule: Journeys in America's Northernmost Lands
Shannon Huffman Polson and Peter Polson
The Ultima Thule is a photographic journey through the Western Arctic, interior Alaska, and south-western Alaska. Writers and photographers highlight ecosystems in these areas and how they have been impacted by climate change.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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The Working Group II Report
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
This report provides an in-depth assessment of specific impacts of climate change on populations around the world.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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U.S. Department of Energy
The Department of Energy's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Elementary School Resources
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The Sneetches and Other Stories
Dr. Seuss
This 72-page Dr. Suess classic reveals wasted energy and resources as the result of prejudice and the drive for exclusivity.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780394800899 | $
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Green Teacher
Green Teacher is a non-profit organization that publishes resources for educators that are designed to promote global and environmental awareness among elementary through high school students.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Online Magazine | $
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Energy Quest Room
California Energy Commission
On the California Energy Commission's education website students will discover new means of energy production and innovative ways to use less energy.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Please contact us if you would like to suggest a resource or comment on any of these resources.
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