Author: Sisaynesh Abebe (Ethiopia) | Published on 18 April 2025

 

Question: How can language teaching support the fight against climate change?

Answer: By equipping students with the vocabulary and communication skills to understand, discuss, and take action on climate issues—turning language lessons into platforms for global awareness and responsibility.

Teaching language plays a vital role in addressing climate change. As educators, it's essential to equip our students with the language skills needed to understand and discuss this pressing issue, fostering informed and active participants in our global community. Here are 4 practical activities for you to use with your students. 

Vocabulary building

Here are some key terms related to climate change presented on these flashcards. You can also make a list of these words on the chalkboard.  Let’s consider a fun matching game, where students match these terms with their definitions, reinforcing their understanding while making learning interactive.

Give a definition with blank spaces so that students can try to find them from the list:

Eg. The gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere: __________________________________

Reading

For the reading activity, I recommend using a short news article about climate change. 

I have written an article for you to use which is Appendix One after the video.

Using this article, you can encourage students to summarize their understandings in small groups.

This activity not only boosts their reading comprehension but also encourages teamwork as they share their insights and perspectives on the content.

Discussion prompts

Engaging students in discussion is crucial. Here are a couple of thought-provoking questions: 

  • ‘What  changes have you noticed in your environment?’  
  • ‘How do you think we can mitigate climate change?’ 
  • How does learning about climate change make you feel? Do you feel hopeful, worried, angry, or inspired?
  • How can young people make a difference in the fight against climate change?
  • Why is recycling important for our environment? How does it help reduce the overall carbon footprint?

These prompts encourage students to reflect on their experiences and articulate their thoughts on climate change in a collaborative setting.

Creative project ideas

Lastly, let’s bring creativity into our lessons with a simple project.

  • Students can create posters that advocate for climate action. This activity allows them to apply the vocabulary and concepts they’ve learned, while also fostering creativity in how they express their ideas.
  • As an option, students can create a Recycled Art Gallery using recyclable materials from their surroundings.

In conclusion, today we explored various activities aimed at enhancing language skills in the context of climate change. I encourage you to adapt these ideas for your classrooms and inspire your students to engage with this critical issue actively. Let’s empower the next generation to speak for the planet! By teaching them the language of climate change, we can help them become advocates for a sustainable future.

Now that you have all these activities to choose from, which will you try first with your students?

Appendix One

Climate Change Demands Your Action! – written by Sisaynesha Bebe

In recent months, climate change has reached a critical point, leaving our planet in calamitous need of attention. Wildfires, intense storms, and rising sea levels are becoming more frequent, and they are affecting communities around the globe. Young people are stepping up and speaking out, demanding changes that can create a better, sustainable future. 

Mira, a high school student and environmental activist, declares, “Our future is at stake!” Inspired by their passion, thousands of students have organized climate strikes, marching through their cities and calling for immediate action to reduce pollution and promote renewable energy sources. 

In classrooms, teachers and students are holding discussions about the importance of environmental responsibility and how everyone can contribute. Students are taking this seriously, launching creative projects that address local and global issues, from recycling initiatives to awareness campaigns on social media. 

The message is clear: we cannot wait for tomorrow. Climate change is here, and every action counts. Let’s harness our creativity and passion to protect our planet for future generations. Your voice matters—stand up and make it heard!

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