INTRODUCING:
2009 Climate Change Diary
In line with the UN Millennium
Development Goals and the WESSA
Eco Schools Initiative, Uvuyo Trading,
in association with the South African
National Biodiversity Institute, is now
introducing the 2009 Climate Change
Diary, a learning support resource
linked to the National Schools
Curriculum.
The eight Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) which range from halving
extreme poverty to halting the spread
of HIV/AIDS and providing universal
primary education, all by the target
date of 2015 – form a blueprint agreed
to by all the world’s countries and all
the world’s development institutions.
These goals are to:
end poverty and hunger
universal education
gender equality
child health
maternal health
combat hiv/aids
environmental sustainability
global partnership
The aim of the Climate Change
Diary
Partnered by various credible organiza-
tions such as the Wildlife & Environment
Society of SA (WESSA), Mpumalanga
Government, Food & Trees for Africa and
the Environ-mental Education Resource
Unit of the University of Cape Town, the
diary aims to develop environmentally
literate learners who can compete in our
global economy, who have the skills,
knowledge and know–how to make well
informed choices, and to exercise the
rights and responsibilities of our various
communities.
The aim of the resource is to inspire
environmental learning and to help
learners understand the inter-relatedness
and complexities of global issues in local
environments and communities. Learning
about the natural, built and social
environment provides a real world
context for learners by linking the
classroom to the community.
Learners are engaged in hands-on, active
learning which increase their knowledge
and awareness of the environment.
Environmentally literate learners
therefore become well-informed citizens
who are able to weigh various sides of
an environmental issue, and make
responsible decisions as individuals and
as members of their communities.
Theme for 2009
“Sustaining Life on Earth”
The Climate Change Diary includes 12 inspiring lesson plans
to help learners understand complex global issues and
sustainable solutions. It offers creative tools for learners to
take action in their local and global communities, and can be
used as an engaging contextual framework within which core
subjects and skills are taught.
Lessons are designed for grade 7 to grade 9, and are
interdisciplinary. Lessons are
· aligned with national learning standards
· culturally appropriate
· relevant to social studies
· relevant to math applications
· relevant to reading and writing comprehension
· relevant to critical thinking and problem solving
Discussion topics will include:
· January – an introduction to climate change
· February – sustainability: economy, environment and
society
· March – water resources
· April – agriculture and food security
· May – consumerism and recycling
· June – biological diversity and ecosystems
· July – Population growth and sustainable carrying
capacity
· August – gender equality and conflict
· September – deforestation
· October – sea levels, oceans and coastal areas
· November – human settlements, energy and industry
· December – human health