The 4 Most Important Climate Change Charts
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Provided by: Project Drawdown|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 article presents four key data visualizations that illustrate the need to tackle climate change from a variety of angles.
- Students will understand how other greenhouse gases impact climate change, how different sectors and activities emit greenhouse gases, and how to use this information to create a more effective plan for climate action.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Jonathan Foley, James Gerber
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students are familiar with greenhouse gases, climate change, and the various sectors that generate emissions.
- Consider defining the terms global warming potential, anthropogenic, and others ahead of time.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use the four charts as a jigsaw activity: assign each small group one chart to analyze deeply, then share findings with the whole class.
- Ask students to consider what is meant by a "portfolio approach" to climate action.
Literacy Connections:
- Have students use the Key Takeaways section to identify details throughout the text that support each of these main ideas.
Extensions:
- Have students check out Project Drawdown's Solutions Explorer and find a solution to read about and share with the class. Discuss how these solutions can be combined in an approach to mitigate climate change.
This resource presents a holistic view of the scope of greenhouse gas emissions through four clear charts. Important climate change myths are confronted through each figure and accompanying text. This resource is exceptionally well-sourced, with data aggregated from trusted sources such as IPCC, EDGAR, and Global Carbon Budget. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
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 →
