KS5 Geography: Ecosystems and climate change

Overview

“In the past three decades, changes to the climate have been apparent at a scale and level of variability not seen in the past 850,000 years” (State of the World's Plants Report 2016, RBG Kew).

How does this affect our ecosystems today and for the future?  

What are the possible impacts of climate change? How might plants and ecosystems be affected and why do we care?

Through field based enquiry, pupils answer these questions, explore and analyse climate change mitigation strategies while developing their knowledge and understanding of this complex issue through the exploration of real-life scenarios and relevant Kew projects.

Learning outcomes

Pupils will be able to:

• Define biodiversity and ecosystem and appreciate their importance for humans.
• Understand the factors affecting ecosystems and biodiversity, including climate change.
• Recognise the implications of climate change for people and the environment.
• Explain the role of Kew in producing strategies to reduce and manage the risks of climate change.

We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.

Keywords

Biodiversity, ecosystems, environment, climate, climate change, anthropogenic, sustainability, management, mitigation strategies, carbon emissions 

Skills

Geographical information skills

Understand the nature of and use different types of geographical information, including:

• Qualitative and quantitative research.
• Images, maps, diagrams and graphical representations.
• Factual text and discursive/creative material.
• Digital data.
• Numerical and spatial data.
• Communicate and evaluate findings, draw well-evidenced conclusions informed by wider theory, and construct extended written argument about geographical matters.

Qualitative and quantitative skills

• Interpretation and evaluation of a range of source material including textual and visual sources.
• Understanding of what makes data geographical and the geospatial technologies (e.g. GIS) that are used to collect, analyse and present geographical data.

Curriculum links