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Development and other human activities often have unintended consequences that affect ecosystems and the people who live in or rely on them. These consequences can be exacerbated by climate change. In this lesson, students examine an article about a tiny island community off the Louisiana coast and discuss how it is being affected by the changing ecosystem.

Icebergs play a vital role in global climate stability. In the last 20 years, icebergs have melted at unprecedented rates, changing marine dynamics, the balance of sea levels, and weather patterns. Students analyze images of icebergs from the polar regions through a nature photographer’s unique point of view and explore the themes of bearing witness and climate change.

Increased global consumerism has vast environmental, economic, and social repercussions. Thought leaders across the globe investigate the unsustainable cultural values at the root of modern consumption. In this lesson, students watch a film about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of global consumerism and examine the effects on the global economy.

Millions of Syrian refugees are leaving their war-torn home in search of safety and opportunity in other countries. Those who have suffered the challenges of starting anew can have a powerful impact helping others resettle. In this lesson, students watch a film about a young Syrian refugee and discuss the themes of cultural displacement, human rights, and resilience.

This lesson uses an online building performance data platform to explore how schools use energy, the relationship between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and the differences between an average school and a high-performance green school.