STAGE 2: EXPLORE PEOPLE AND PLACES EXPERIENCING CLIMATE CHANGE

The ‘Explore’ phase includes activities in which they can explore the concept or skill. They grapple with the problem or phenomenon and describe it in their own words. This phase allows students to acquire a common set of experiences that they can use to help each other make sense of the new concept or skill.

Explore Step 2.1: Investigate environmental factors and climate change in Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Philippines

Suggested Subject Area: Environmental Education, Geography and Literacy

Purpose
To provide students with opportunities to:

• Gather information about how the climate is changing and its impact on people and places globally
• Investigate water issues affecting some communities
• Identify and examine the concept of water being collected and stored in a sustainable way
• Examine a composting toilet initiative that enables water use to be reduced
• Develop skills involving viewing, comprehension, research, questioning, reporting and presenting.

Preparation
You will need:

• Access to the Internet

Procedure
Explain to the students that many places globally are already experiencing the environmental effects of climate change.

View videos and find out more about Kiribati, the island nation vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea-level rise. View two videos about Kiribati and climate change at http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/resources-gallery/resource-gallery-video.html (Or via links below)

The videos are titled:

• Kiribati and climate change
  
• Ensure environmental sustainability

Investigate the water scarcity issues experienced in Tuvalu and read a case study at http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/case-studies/drought-in-the-pacific.html

Find out about how the installation of water tanks and guttering on houses has enabled more water to be collected and stored in a sustainable way. Consider this idea for your school’s buildings.

The case study also describes a composting toilet initiative, one that enables water use and pollution to be reduced and the compost to be used on gardens. Consider these ideas for your school.

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change is projected to increase the severity and frequency of many natural disasters globally. Read more about the Philippines’ issue with typhoons (also known as cyclones or hurricanes), heavy rains and winds at http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/case-studies/the-winds-of-change-philippines.html

Explore how these three countries are adapting to a changing climate, responding by managing water resources better and discuss the challenges each faces providing fresh water to communities.

Follow up
Use the climate exchange website at http://climatexchange.aspacnet.org/   to learn more about places and people globally affected by a changing climate. Explore a range of places and people who are adapting to the climate challenges being faced. 

Ask questions like:

• What is this place like?
  
• What do people do here?
  
• What is happening in this place?
  
• Could this place be anywhere else?
  
• How is this place affected by climate change?
  
• How are people adapting to changes being experienced?
  

Next - STEP 2.2: Explore continued