How to Teach Your Students about Climate Justice

Article

The climate crisis is manifesting very differently from country to country. Climate justice is a concept that highlights inequalities in how climate change is affecting different populations. Groups that are more vulnerable or marginalized—such as women, Indigenous peoples, low-income and homeless individuals, the elderly and the young—are often more exposed to environmental risks and damage, yet lack sufficient decision-making power to act on the issue. The recent emergence of climate justice serves as a reminder that in addition to its environmental impacts, the crisis has repercussions on the world’s political, economic, and social spheres, as well as on human rights and equity.

Here are three organizations with resources to help you discuss climate justice with your students.

All grades

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Oxfam-Québec
Amnistie internationale
SUCO

Oxfam-Québec

Climat de justice : Le visage derrière les statistiques (French only)

This educational presentation and immersive game is a great way to introduce students to the issue of climate change and its impact on social inequalities. Participants are asked to step into the shoes of a character to help them find connections between the different socio-economic considerations that affect individuals. The session ends with a discussion period to consolidate learning. This presentation can be led by an Oxfam-Québec representative or by the teacher.

Amnistie internationale

Trousse pédagogique urgence climatique et droits humains (French only)

This turnkey teaching kit (visual aid + animation guide) introduces high school students to human rights in the context of the climate crisis, and provides them with examples of engaged youth to inspire them to action.

SUCO

Les ateliers Nous sommes la Transition (French only)

SUCO offers high school and CEGEP students free workshops that integrate seamlessly into the course curriculum. Topics such as ecofeminism and ecological justice are addressed through a playful, participative, and positive approach.

In order to prepare for the future and ensure the well-being of all, it’s important to talk about environmental justice in Quebec. Yet, despite the importance of environmental issues and climate change, youth sometimes consider these topics unappealing or redundant. To spark interest in climate-related topics among all students, teachers need to take a systemic approach, linking them to the social, political, and economic spheres.

Tips and tools

You can also watch this Climatoblabla video (in French) together, then follow up with a lively discussion guided by the companion worksheet (in French).

Author

Marie-Ève Lachance-Foisy - Since April 2022, Marie-Ève has been actively involved in Lab22’s core mission of promoting environmental responsibility and citizenship in Quebec high schools as an ecological transition advisor. Her career path, which began with completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, has opened her eyes to how deeply environmental and social issues are interconnected and the importance of our responsibility to take action. As an advisor to members of the educational community, Marie-Ève is able to combine her two main interests, nature and human relationships. She is passionate about helping people discover the profoundly rewarding experience of uniting behind a common cause.

Oxfam-Québec

Amnistie internationale

SUCO

Author

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