| Register

Climate Change & Energy

You are here > » »

For background reading on climate change and energy, see...

	chapter 9 of our high school text, Exploring Global Issues
	Our Climate Change Unit for middle school and high school
	units 2 and 3 of our supplemental high school text, It's All Connected
	chapters 6 and 9 of our middle school text, Global Issues and Sustainable Solutions
	week 1 of our Newspapers in Education articles

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.

Elementary School Resources
Middle School Resources
High School Resources

Middle School Resources

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

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:

Toil for Oil

Action Project | Free

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 | $

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:

Effects of Climate Change on Living Things

Online Report | Free

Burning in the Sun
Bullfrog Films

This 83-minute film paints an inspirational portrait of a young West African man who starts a business building solar panels from scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali.

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Video | ISBN 1594589119 | $

Climate Connections
NPR and Wild Chronicles

This year-long series, from Public Television's Wild Chronicles, describes how climate change is affecting life on Earth.

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Video | Free

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:

Toil for Oil

Video | $

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:

School Sustainability Audit

Video | UPC 782410089690 | $

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 | $

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:

Carbon Dioxide Trends

Video | UPC 727994752929 | $

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 | $

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:

From Issue to Opportunity

Video | $

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

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:

The Carbon Link

Website | Free

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

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

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

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

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:

School Sustainability Audit

Website | Free

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:

How Much Does Carbon Cost?

Website | Free

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:

School Sustainability Audit

Website | Free

A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change

This Web site covers the science, impacts to society and ecosystems, and solutions to climate change. The information is presented in videos, animations, interactive graphics, and "expeditions" where students can explore how climate change affects places around the world. This site can be used by teachers and educators to help develop class curriculum.

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Website | Free

Questions and Answers About Global Warming and Abrupt Climate Change
Worldwatch Institute

This question and answer site offers ideas for how business and governments can work toward climate change solutions.

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

How Much Does Carbon Cost?

Website | Free

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

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

Understanding Climate Change: A Primer
Woods Hole Research Center

This online primer by the Woods Hole Research Center provides a broad overview of the main issues of climate change.

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Carbon Dioxide Trends

Website | Free

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:

Effects of Climate Change on Living Things

Website | Free

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

High School Resources

	Buildings Industry Transportation Electricity Scenarios (BITES) Tool The Buildings Industry Transportation Electricity Scenarios (BITES) Tool is a scenario-based tool for analyzing how changes in energy demand and supply by economic sector can impact carbon dioxide emissions. BITES permits the rapid screening and exploration of energy options and technologies that can lead to major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reductions in oil dependence. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: From Issue to Opportunity Making Climate Change Connections Online Tool \| Free
	Burning in the Sun Bullfrog Films This 83-minute film paints an inspirational portrait of a young West African man who starts a business building solar panels from scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: From Issue to Opportunity Making Climate Change Connections Toil for Oil Video \| ISBN 1594589119 \| $
	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: It All Adds Up! Action Project \| Free
	Carbon Footprint for Google Maps This browser extension automatically estimates the total CO₂ emission for the driving route suggested by Google Maps. The estimation is then shown to the left of the map, next to the route's total distance. *Links to resources containing related Facing the Future* lessons:** Fueling the Future Greenhouse Gas Investigations Making Climate Change Connections Browser Extension \| Free
	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: Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Greenhouse Gas Investigations Online Report \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Energy Policies for a Cool Future Website \| Free
	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: Carbon Dioxide Trends Website \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Making Climate Change Connections Effects of Climate Change on Living Things Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Website \| Free
	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: Fueling the Future Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Video \| ISBN 1594582785 \| $
	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: Fueling the Future Energy Policies for a Cool Future Book \| ISBN 9780613920926 \| $
	A Students Guide to Global Climate Change This Web site covers the science, impacts to society and ecosystems, and solutions to climate change. The information is presented in videos, animations, interactive graphics, and "expeditions" where students can explore how climate change affects places around the world. This site can be used by teachers and educators to help develop class curriculum. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: Making Climate Change Connections Effects of Climate Change on Living Things Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Website \| Free
	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:** Energy Explorations Book \| $
	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:** Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Energy Policies for a Cool Future Book \| ISBN 9780865476592 \| $
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free

Please contact us if you would like to suggest a resource or comment on any of these resources.

Curriculum Store

Events

Webinars

eNews

Socialize

Share this page

MISSION

Facing the Future is a nonprofit leader whose mission is to create tools for educators that equip and motivate students to develop critical thinking skills, build global awareness and engage inpositive solutions for a sustainable future.
Learn more

CURRICULUM by GRADE

CURRICULUM by SUBJECT

CONTACT US
1904 Third Ave
Suite 510
Seattle, WA 98101

T: 206.264.1503

office@facingthefuture.org

Twitter Facebook YouTube Pintrest Google+

	Buildings Industry Transportation Electricity Scenarios (BITES) Tool The Buildings Industry Transportation Electricity Scenarios (BITES) Tool is a scenario-based tool for analyzing how changes in energy demand and supply by economic sector can impact carbon dioxide emissions. BITES permits the rapid screening and exploration of energy options and technologies that can lead to major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reductions in oil dependence. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: From Issue to Opportunity Making Climate Change Connections Online Tool \| Free
	Burning in the Sun Bullfrog Films This 83-minute film paints an inspirational portrait of a young West African man who starts a business building solar panels from scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: From Issue to Opportunity Making Climate Change Connections Toil for Oil Video \| ISBN 1594589119 \| $
	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: It All Adds Up! Action Project \| Free
	Carbon Footprint for Google Maps This browser extension automatically estimates the total CO₂ emission for the driving route suggested by Google Maps. The estimation is then shown to the left of the map, next to the route's total distance. *Links to resources containing related Facing the Future* lessons:** Fueling the Future Greenhouse Gas Investigations Making Climate Change Connections Browser Extension \| Free
	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: Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Greenhouse Gas Investigations Online Report \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Energy Policies for a Cool Future Website \| Free
	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: Carbon Dioxide Trends Website \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free
	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: Making Climate Change Connections Effects of Climate Change on Living Things Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Website \| Free
	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: Fueling the Future Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Video \| ISBN 1594582785 \| $
	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: Fueling the Future Energy Policies for a Cool Future Book \| ISBN 9780613920926 \| $
	A Students Guide to Global Climate Change This Web site covers the science, impacts to society and ecosystems, and solutions to climate change. The information is presented in videos, animations, interactive graphics, and "expeditions" where students can explore how climate change affects places around the world. This site can be used by teachers and educators to help develop class curriculum. Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons: Making Climate Change Connections Effects of Climate Change on Living Things Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Website \| Free
	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:** Energy Explorations Book \| $
	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:** Making Climate Change Connections Changes All Around: Geographic Impacts of Climate Change Energy Policies for a Cool Future Book \| ISBN 9780865476592 \| $
	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: Greenhouse Gas Investigations Website \| Free

Climate Change & Energy

For background reading on climate change and energy, see...

Climate Change and Energy

Elementary School Resources

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Middle School Resources

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

High School Resources

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:

**Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:**

**Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:**

**Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:**