Climate Health Connection: Environmental Pollution
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Health
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by The Climate Reality Project
What it is
- This video, narrated by Téa Leoni, shows how the oil, coal, and gas industries can affect people's health, with a particular focus on the effects in children.
- Students will learn that extracting, refining, and burning fossil fuels pollutes the air, soil, and water with toxic chemicals.
- The video concludes with clean energy alternatives, such as solar and wind energy, that can reduce or eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This compelling video discusses a number of chemicals, substances, and health conditions that could be explored further.
- It uses engaging footage that will keep students engaged.
Prerequisites
- The video presents solar and wind energy as clean alternatives to fossil fuels, but it does not explain the challenges inherent to using these different types of energy sources.
- Other resources to support background knowledge for this video include this video about chemical pollution and this video comparing various energy sources.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science classes can study the effects of formaldehyde, lead, mercury, and sulfur dioxide on the human body.
- Ethics or social studies classes can discuss the way that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by fossil fuel-related health problems.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on the health risks associated with fracking and this SubjectToClimate lesson on Cancer Alley in Louisiana.
From the scientist review
This video spotlights the impact of climate change on human health, it shows how low-income populations are disproportionately impacted by climate change. It finally raises awareness about transitioning to clean energy globally to protect human health while combating climate change. This is recommended for teaching.
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