Climate change
The Climate and Education
An educated society is the driving force of change. The time has come for us to become better educated about and actively involved in the care of our planet. We must start an in-depth dialogue about our very existence on this planet, and pass our knowledge to future generations. This is possible only with factually accurate and easily accessible information.
How to understand climate change
01An understanding of the basic facts is key when getting to the bottom of a topic as complex as climate change. Unfortunately, many myths, half-truths, and lies around climate change pervade our society.
When researching climate change, it is important to consider where the information has come from, which methodology has been used, whether the information consists of actual data or represents an interpretation of data, and whether the information has been verified by experts.
Verified Sources
03To make your research as easy as possible, we have put together a list of reliable sources where you can find verified information.
CLIMATE SCIENCE
Facts straight from the source. Textbooks from the best scientists. Professional articles and studies.
Science magazines
Science magazines that publish relevant materials
Selected scientific articles
| Scientific consensus on the influence of human activities on climate change |
| Scientific consensus on climate change |
| Errors in climate research |
Selected scientific articles
BOOKS
Books dealing with climate change in an understandable and entertaining way.
Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Describes the seriousness of current species extinction and its possible effects on humanity
Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
The role of capitalism in global warming and how to fix it
| Naomi Klein: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate The role of capitalism in global warming and how to fix it |
Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming
How a group of scientists successfully influenced climate change discussions by spreading misinformation
| Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming |
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
A subjective description of the impact caused by chemicals on the environment
| Rachel Carson, Silent Spring |
Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
An ethical reflection about caring for the environment
| Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac |
Jan Keller, Aź na dno blahobytu
A humorous essay about excessive consumers
| Jan Keller, Aź na dno blahobytu |
Josef Vavroušek, Životní prostředí a sebeřízení společnosti
The ecological crisis and how to get out of it, in the context of Czechoslovakia
| Josef Vavroušek, Životní prostředí a sebeřízení společnosti |
Klimatická krize: Mýty a fakta o stavu planety (The Climate Crisis: Myths and facts about the condition of the planet)
Summarises and clarifies 10 widespread climate change myths
| Klimatická krize: Mýty a fakta o stavu planety (The Climate Crisis: Myths and facts about the condition of the planet) |
Atlas klimatické změny (Atlas of climate change)
Presents the most important data regarding climate change through visual infographics supplemented by explanatory texts
| Atlas klimatické změny (Atlas of climate change) |
Pope Francis, Laudato sí
A call to an “ecological conversion” by a spiritual and moral leader
| Pope Francis, Laudato sí |
MEDIA
We selected several mainstream media sources that address climate change, verify their information with trustworthy sources, and cite scientific articles. We believe these sources are accurate and relevant. You can check the reliability of other media outlets here: Nadačního fondu nezávislé žurnalistiky; or here for non-Czech media: Ad fontes media.
Aktuálně.cz “Planeta v Nouzi” (Planet in Danger)
| Aktuálně.cz “Planeta v Nouzi” (Planet in Danger) |
iRozhlas “Rozděleni klimatem” (Divided by the Climate)
| iRozhlas “Rozděleni klimatem” (Divided by the Climate) |
Deník Referendum “Změny klimatu” (Climate Changes)
| Deník Referendum “Změny klimatu” (Climate Changes) |
Deník N “Změna klimatu” (Climate Change)
| Deník N “Změna klimatu” (Climate Change) |
Česká televize “Téma změny klimatu” (The Topic of Climate Change)
| Česká televize “Téma změny klimatu” (The Topic of Climate Change) |
CAMPAIGNS
We have listed the campaigns of serious organisations providing information about climate change.
Informational campaign for strengthening sustainable water source usage and environmental ecosystem services in the context of climate change
| Informational campaign for strengthening sustainable water source usage and environmental ecosystem services in the context of climate change |
Earth on a Plate Festival
Země na talíři – online festival dokumentárních filmů o jídle | Jíme Jinak (jimejinak.cz)
| Earth on a Plate Festival |
CONFERENCES AND DEBATES
Previously recorded conferences and debates featuring experts we trust.
Recorded debate: Fakta a perspektiva budoucnosti aneb jak jsme na tom s výukou o klimatické změně (The state of climate change education in schools: why (not) teach about climate change?)
| Recorded debate: Fakta a perspektiva budoucnosti aneb jak jsme na tom s výukou o klimatické změně (The state of climate change education in schools: why (not) teach about climate change?) |
Recorded debate: Fakta a mýty o klimatu (Facts and myths about the climate)
| Recorded debate: Fakta a mýty o klimatu (Facts and myths about the climate) |
Recorded conference: Změňme klima (Let’s change the climate)
| Recorded conference: Změňme klima (Let’s change the climate) |
Recorded conference: Není čas KLIM(b)A(t) (There’s no time to rest)
| Recorded conference: Není čas KLIM(b)A(t) (There’s no time to rest) |
VIDEOS AND DOCUMENTARIES
Documentary films and educational videos on climate change that are factually correct and based on verified information.
Čhadar, cesta po řece (Chaddar – A River between Us)
Chaddar – A River between Us is a documentary including elements of a family drama, an anthropological study, and a psalm for climate change consequences. It was introduced this year at the One World Festival’s Zemětaj (Wonderland) section. The film’s strength is that it isn’t an authoritative talk, which convinces the viewers about one undeniable truth. Instead, it’s a silent and subtle observation of how climate change affects the everyday life of people living in the Himalayas, where the journey from school can turn into a fight for one’s life.
| Čhadar, cesta po řece (Chaddar – A River between Us) |
Hon za utopií (Journey to Utopia)
How far will you go in the search for a sustainable lifestyle? Journey to Utopia, available on the platform Promítej i ty! observes a family saddened by the climate. They decide to leave their [already very humble and eco-friendly] life in a Norwegian cottage and move to Denmark to join a maximally sustainable community. This relocation, however, won’t be as easy as it seems…
| Hon za utopií (Journey to Utopia) |
Když už víš (Once You Know)
What do you do once you know that society is heading towards its own collapse? French director Emmanuel Chappelin’s unbelievably complex debut goes beyond facts and questions we already know the answer to. It focuses on a tougher one - how can we prevent this catastrophe? The self-reflective, essayistic documentary tries to find solutions for a seemingly hopeless situation which will impact future generations. Winner of the 2020 Film of the Year and the main prize at the ČZU Film Fest, it is also being presented at the Academia Film Olomouc Festival.
| Když už víš (Once You Know) |
Naše planeta (Our Planet)
In the context of the popularisation of natural sciences, you will hardly find a bigger personality than David Attenborough. His rousing, one-man show, “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”, was viewed worldwide thanks to its distribution by Netflix, but the TV series where it all began is also worth watching. Our Planet is an audio-visual masterpiece consisting of eight episodes, which work with the viewers’ emotions to pass on the important message of the threat of climate change devastation.
| Naše planeta (Our Planet) |
Co s námi bude (What About Our Future?)
This rousing short film focuses on probably the most medialised component of the fight against climate change - student movements. Contrary to the popular Fridays For Future, it follows the Canadian movement Sustainabiliteens from Vancouver. In 25 minutes, the movements of key members are introduced, and the film offers a first-hand protest experience with its distinctive style, flying camera shots, and catchy music. After watching this documentary, viewers will be inspired to stop what they’re doing and join the student protest movement.
| Co s námi bude (What About Our Future?) |
Led v ohni (Ice on Fire)
Ice on Fire investigates ways of limiting the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere and how to rid the atmosphere of excessive carbon. Both are necessary for lowering temperature globally, especially if we take into account the real threat of methane.
| Led v ohni (Ice on Fire) |
The Czech Republic Deals with the Climate (ČT TV show)
| The Czech Republic Deals with the Climate (ČT TV show) |
The Climate is Changes the Czech Republic (ČT TV show)
| The Climate is Changes the Czech Republic (ČT TV show) |
ADAPTATION STRATEGIES and toolkits
Information about national adaptation strategies for climate change.
Adaptation of residences for climate change - practical solutions and knowledge exchange
| Adaptation of residences for climate change - practical solutions and knowledge exchange |
National strategy for the adaptation of homes to climate change
| National strategy for the adaptation of homes to climate change |
Increasing awareness about adaptation measures for climate change in Czech cities using the experiences of Norway
| Increasing awareness about adaptation measures for climate change in Czech cities using the experiences of Norway |
KLIMADAPT for municipalities of the Central Bohemian Region
| KLIMADAPT for municipalities of the Central Bohemian Region |
Implementation of retention and infiltration adaptation measures in Moravia‘s river basin
| Implementation of retention and infiltration adaptation measures in Moravia‘s river basin |
Framework and possibilities of forest adaptation measures and strategies linked with climate change
| Framework and possibilities of forest adaptation measures and strategies linked with climate change |
Complex planning, monitoring, informational, and educational tools for adapting an area to climate change effects, with a focus on agriculture and forestry
| Complex planning, monitoring, informational, and educational tools for adapting an area to climate change effects, with a focus on agriculture and forestry |
Strategy for protection from floods and other erosive phenomena in the Czech Republic
| Strategy for protection from floods and other erosive phenomena in the Czech Republic |
Creation of educational environmental programmes for studying the response to climate change
| Creation of educational environmental programmes for studying the response to climate change |
Urban Adapt - Adaptation of residences to climate change
| Urban Adapt - Adaptation of residences to climate change |
Project SUSTO - adaptation of residences for climate change and the participation of residents and students in local decision-making
| Projekt SUSTO - adaptace sídel na změnu kliumatu a participacr občanů a studentů na místním rozhodování. |
Education
and Awareness
02
With the urgency of climate change, schools will continue to feel pressure to include the topic in their curriculums. Today, there aren’t enough accessible materials to help teachers incorporate the topic of climate change into different subjects. People in Need is actively preparing and providing these materials.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
The climate is changing - and what about us?
Recommendations for climate education development supported by scientific research, primarily in Czech schools
| The climate is changing - and what about us? |
| ThuleTuvalu |
Course for teachers of grades six through 12 and others interested in teaching students about climate change
which includes interviews with experts, interactive activities and other tools
| Course for teachers of grades six through 12 and others interested in teaching students about climate change, which includes |
Current courses
| Current courses |
| JSNS audio-visual lessons on the environment |
Survey of teachers on how climate change is taught
| Survey of teachers on how climate change is taught |
MATERIALS FOR THE CURRICULUM
JSNS audio-visual lesson about climate change
| Thank You for the Rain |
| Children from the Disappearing Island |
JSNS campaign for Earth day Náhradní planeta neexistuje (A reserve planet doesn’t exist) (2021)
| JSNS campaign for Earth day Náhradní planeta neexistuje (A reserve planet doesn’t exist) (2021) |
| JSNS Earth Day campaign "What is the expiration date of our planet?" (2022) |
JSNS campaign Umění odpadu (2020)
| JSNS campaign Umění odpadu (2020) |
Lessons about climate change
Me and climate change, More and less climate change, Where did the water go, The dam, Climate change: A challenge of modesty or a global catastrophe?, Climate in need
| Lessons about climate change |
Komiks ve výuce (Teaching through comics)
| Komiks ve výuce (Teaching through comics) |
Bulletin pro školy (Bulletin for schools)
| Bulletin pro školy (Bulletin for schools) |
Debates:
Fakta a mýty o klimatu (Facts and Myths about the Climate) Debate on climate justice
| Fakta a mýty o klimatu (Facts and Myths about the Climate) |
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
Gratias Tibi Prize
Awarded to civically-engaged young people who have had a positive influence on society
| Gratias Tibi Prize |
Environmental projects
| Environmental projects |
Student projects
| Who else? |
| Examples of environmentally-themed student projects |
Support for the active engagement of students in the topic of climate change: 1Planet4All Project
| 1Planet4All Project |
Frequently Asked Questions
04If previous epochs in human history have been characterised by struggles against the natural elements and pernicious ideologies, the coming epoch must be entirely devoted to the renewal of the biosphere. We must learn from our mistakes and adapt to change.
At first glance, these conferences might seem like just a lot of talk, but they are built on years of intensive work by hundreds of delegates and experts. Although the decisions reached at the conferences are not binding, there is significant pressure on national governments by civil society to consider their enforcement; an active civil society plays a key role in setting ambitious goals and advocating for compliance. And adherence to climatic goals is now a matter of prestige not only for political parties but also for multinational corporations. However, any attempt at enforcement by agencies such as the United Nations would risk a backlash that would make joint action impossible.
The main reason for the rise in energy prices, however, is high demand for natural gas. The use of fossil fuels drives up prices and exposes the economy to fluctuations in the fuel market. The best way to prevent these shocks is through the development of renewable resources.
The Czech Republic’s slow transition to renewables has contributed to the jump in energy prices. If the Czech government had introduced renewables sooner, our energy prices would not be increasing so dramatically.
As the demand for electric cars grows, so does the demand for batteries and the rare materials they contain: nickel, cobalt, and lithium. The impacts of material extraction adversely affect the lives of residents, mine workers, and ecosystems such as rainforests or coral reefs. The key to lessening these impacts is the reuse of materials and the implementation of more environmentally-friendly mining methods.
It should be noted that organically reared cattle from Czech pastures also produce methane, but their manure fertilises the soil. This, in turn, helps grass grow and supports soil microorganisms and edaphon. Unfortunately, to satiate our current rate of meat consumption would require such extensive pastures that even a worldwide transition to organic meat would not solve the problem.
The key to solving this issue is so-called integrated production, where plants and animals complement each other. An example of integrated production is the combination of rice fields, ducks, fish, and azole algae, which together create a sustainable and highly profitable agricultural system. Similar animal integrations can be done with cows, hens, and pigs.
A completely vegetarian diet with the elimination of livestock from agricultural and landscape processes around the world could mean a shortage of organic fertilisers and greater dependence on industrial ones. Animals including cattle are a necessary part of sustainable and productive agriculture, but the quality and the method of their breeding are of critical importance.
According to scientific and economic studies, the costs of tackling climate change are insignificant compared to the costs of ignoring it. Mitigation and adaptation measures must be seen as investments into our future, saving money and suffering in the long run.
Ecological and environmentally-friendly technologies are often the ones that save costs – for example, replacing cars with bikes, sewerage with root wastewater treatment plants, and waste bins with compost. Vegetable beds yield cheaper food and climbing plants lower the need for and thus the costs of air-conditioning. “Nature-friendly” measures harness the power of nature to replace store-bought items and should be widely promoted.
As for the fossil fuel industry, it is becoming less profitable every year. Resources are dwindling and mining is getting more expensive. The costs of pollution and its corresponding effects on our health are astronomical. These industries receive billions of Euros in subsidies from state coffers, which are funded by taxpayers and private banks. In turn, these subsidies cause market imbalances and prevent the replacement of fossil fuels with cleaner sources such as wind and solar energy.
While initial investments into new technologies may seem expensive at the outset, innovations become cheaper as they become more widespread. If the development of cleaner energy, for instance, was more widely supported, it would be more economical and cost-effective in the long run.
Changing our behaviour is the key to tackling the environmental crisis, which is why awareness-raising campaigns are essential for achieving social change. Without proper work on public awareness, there will not be enough pressure on politicians to take strong steps towards adapting to and mitigating climate change, nor will there be enough support and understanding for those working to implement change.
This is not to say that restoring the landscape by planting trees is not an essential tool for adapting to climate change; quite the opposite. However, in order to support biosphere renewal, this work must be sufficiently extensive and have widespread public support, which leads back to raising public awareness.
We don’t have to be climate scientists to do something good for the planet; we can each approach climate change from our unique position. Artists, journalists, teachers, religious figures—all of us, really—can play a significant role. For example, a fashion designer can help protect the planet by drawing attention to the impacts of the textile industry and promoting environmentally-friendly production methods.
A sustainable future requires a societal transformation, where literally everyone plays a role. Luckily, research has shown that changing the mindset of only a small percentage of the population can lead to gradual uptake by the majority.
Nevertheless, one way in which we unfortunately leave a larger ecological footprint than we’d like is when we travel by air to the places where we stage our interventions. While this is necessary in some cases, we do make a concerted effort to solve as much as we can remotely. We also compensate for our emissions through so-called “offset” certified programmes, which typically include the planting of new forests and landscape reconstruction in different parts of the world. Although these measures are not a real solution to emissions, they are the only way for us to compensate for our travel activities.
We have also been introducing measures for more responsible operations at our offices in Prague. This includes, for example, the purchase of ecological detergents, effective waste management, and the introduction of equipment and processes for saving water and energy. We educate our employees at PIN headquarters and on missions in environmentally-friendly operations and project management. Measures to operate mission offices in an environmentally responsible way rest with the mission leaders, as local context must always be considered and we must focus on the areas where we can have the greatest impact.
For instance, waste sorting makes sense in countries where waste management and infrastructure are more developed. In countries where it is lacking, there is a need to focus on waste reduction. Missions with suitable conditions install solar panels, while missions without these conditions focus instead on reductions in energy usage. PIN headquarters in Prague supports missions with finding the activities that will have the greatest impact, and is implementing a unified system for collecting data on the environmental impact of our global operations so that we can make better decisions.
In our projects, we focus on assessing both the positive and negative impacts of our activities on the environment, and finding ways to maximise the positive while preventing or reducing the negative. To this end, we continue to monitor the impacts of our projects throughout their implementation. We have also been gradually introducing environmental guidelines for the purchase of materials for our beneficiary communities. For example, we make sure that the products come from local sources and do not contain unnecessary packaging.