Summary

In his remarks to global leaders, President Joe Biden said climate change is "ravaging the world" — a message that is likely to be repeated at the U.N. summit on climate change. World leaders, researchers and activists all say we are at a tipping point to reduce emissions. But getting commitments that translate to real change is no small lift. William Brangham reports on the stakes of the summit.

Five Facts

• Who is meeting this week in Glasgow, Scotland, and why?


• What are some of the major concerns about the effects of climate change raised in this piece?


• Where are some of the places already being impacted by climate change?


• Why are world leaders trying to coordinate response to climate change?


• How are world leaders negotiating ways to limit temperature increases due to climate change?

Focus Questions

What do you think is most concerning from this report, and what do you think is the best way your community can prepare for possible changes related to climate change? Media literacy: Why do you think the producers chose this photo to go with this story? What does it say to you about global leadership and addressing climate change?

 

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, U.S. President Joe Biden and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson chat as they attend an evening reception to mark the opening day of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain November 1, 2021. Alberto Pezzali/Pool via REUTERS

For More

What can you do in your community to address climate change and the impacts of changing weather patterns?

• Check out this Educator Voice piece by José Vilson on why climate justice and education justice overlap.


• See this group of lessons on invention, which includes several environment-based classroom activities and ideas on how you can make a difference today.


• See this lesson on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how everyone can participate.