Most current scientific evidence shows that mankind’s collective behavior is causing climate change!

The consequences of climate change affects the planet and all of us. However, small individual actions can help us find a solution.

This Eduglocal Quest will encourage you to explore the reasons behind climate change and how changes to your daily routine can contribute to addressing the issues.

There are three major factors causing climate change:

1. Fossil fuels, increasing greenhouse gas emissions
2. Increasing population
3. Energy wastage

You will find out more about the use of fossil fuels around the world and the impact they have on the planet.

The planet’s population is increasing at a dramatic rate; using fossil fuels and in turn releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere is causing changes to our climate. The planet’s temperature is increasing, the polar ice caps are melting, sea levels rising and habitats are being destroyed. We can see the effects of this in more floods, droughts, and more ‘unseasonal’ weather.

At the same time we waste vast amounts of energy!

Your task is to make and implement an activity plan on the Rational Use of Energy (RUE) at an individual/family level and local/community level (e.g. your school).

Look at the Rational Use of Energy diagram, and these three areas:

1. Efficient equipment
2. Renewable energy source
3. Save Energy

Making the equipment we use more efficient will reduce the amount of energy we consume by up to 50% (see example of efficient lighting in Avilia in the Photos section). Working in groups, read through the Energy Saving Trust guide to energy use room by room.

Make a list of efficient equipment. In your home make a list of the equipment which consume energy. Make a list of the equipment that could be more efficient (for example; energy efficient light bulbs, washing machine….).

Take a look at the main environmental problem Haiti is facing and discover how some Haitians succeeded in halving their energy consumption using more efficient kitchens! New energies for Haiti

Read 'Getting started with renewables' and 'Choosing a renewable technology', including the links to renewables in the left menu.

• List 5 types of renewable energy sources.
• Find out which of these are available in your local area.
• Which are produced in your local area?

Alternative and renewable sources of energy are friends with the rural communities living in the least developed countries of the World and can help them to step out of poverty. Look at what happens in Haiti and discover how renewable sources can change people’s life!

Look at the how much gas and electricity your household consumes per month.

If your family owns a car, find out how many KM’s the car travels per month. Make a list of main trips, and write down alternative methods of transport for these journeys (bus, bicycle, train…).

Make and implement an activity plan on the Rational Use of Energy (RUE) at an individual/family level and local/community level (e.g. your school).  Examples could include changing to more energy efficicient lighting, using public transport, reducing water usage when flushing.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the reasons for the Climate Change problem and be able to implement solutions at a local level