The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident in Dublin. Rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal communities and attractions like Bull Island. Erratic weather patterns have led to more frequent and severe storms over the last number of years, causing severe flooding and damage to my local area near the coast. These changes are not only significant from an environmental standpoint but also haveserious implications for our daily lives and the future of our city.
To engage my pupils in exploring these climate change issues further, I would adopt an interactive and experiential approach. Our school is lucky to be right by the coast, so I would organise field trips to local environmental sites, such as the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve, where students can observe first-hand the impacts of climate change and engage in discussions with local experts. Our local library also regularly hosts climate change workshops for senior classes.
To make the world a better place and slow down climate change, I would implement three actions in my classroom. Firstly, I would emphasise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint by encouraging the sustainable practices already in place in our school, such as recycling, composting, and reducing energy consumption. We have a green school committee to help implement these healthy habits. We have regular discussions on the impact of individual actions and how small changes can collectively make a significant difference. I would promote environmental activism by encouraging students to participate in local and global initiatives. We could organise campaigns to raise awareness about climate change and its effects, engaging with the wider community through workshops in the local library. I feel this could empower students to become advocates for change and encourage others to take action.
Lastly, I would incorporate climate change education across various subjects, integrating it into the curriculum. For example, in science, we could explore the science behind climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon cycle. In geography, we would analyse the geographical impacts of climate change on a local and wider scale. By incorporating climate change into multiple subjects, students would gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.