How Animals and Plants Work to Stabilize Earth's Climate
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Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: May 8, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed 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 →
Synopsis
- This resource features a five-and-a-half-minute video and article that explain how living organisms play a critical role in capturing and storing carbon, helping to regulate Earth's climate.
- The video introduces concepts such as carbon storage, the role of marine organisms in storing carbon in various ecosystems, and the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students have an understanding of greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect.
- Use this resource with students who have had a lesson on the carbon cycle.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this video to introduce the term "carbon sink," as many examples of sinks are provided.
- As they watch, have students take notes on the different ecosystems, plants, and animals listed in the video, and how they work to remove carbon.
- Discuss what can be done to protect the ecosystems that remove carbon.
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- Use this resource to show the connection between SDG 13, Climate Action, SDG 14, Life Below Water, and SDG 15, Life on Land.
This video discusses natural carbon sinks, which absorb and store carbon, helping keep it out of the atmosphere. The video provides multiple examples of plants and animals that act as carbon sinks and briefly explains how they do so. A brief introduction to climate change is included. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
