Addressing the climate crisis through discussion = Climate Change Circles (CCC)

Thinking about and discussing are the first steps to solving problems.

Although our nation is sorely divided, we may have more in common than we think. According to a recent Yale study, 72% of U.S. adults believe global warming is happening, 86% support funding renewable energy sources, and 78% of the nation supports teaching about climate change in schools.

However, here is the disconnect: only 39% of adults discuss it at least occasionally. We believe that people’s words become their actions. As a result, we want to bring climate change solutions into daily conversations by hosting book club or discussion groups.

All We Can Save (Discussion) Circles

“Are you hungry for deeper dialogue about the climate crisis and building community around solutions? We are too. That’s why we created All We Can Save Circles — like a book club, but a cooler extended remix version. Therefore, let’s strengthen the “we” in All We Can Save.”

Questions? Read more about Circles→ https://www.allwecansave.earth/circles

EJECTED—The Story that Solves the Climate Crisis

Using Ejected—The Story that Solves the Climate Crisis as the basis for in-depth discussions exploring various climate solutions. This will serve the purpose of empowering people by giving them a platform to discuss the important topic of climate change. Similarly, we will encourage the expression of a wide variety of views.

Ejected is YA fiction geared for ages 13+. While continuing participation is encouraged, it is suggested that certain chapters and solutions be discussed each week. As a result, participants will be able to join at any moment. Participants should also acquaint themselves with the chapters that will be covered so that they can participate in the discussion. Feel free to browse relevant resources that were utilized to construct a framework for the book in addition to discussing it. Additionally, while the majority of the meeting time will be devoted to talks, we will also use supplementary slides, video clips, and websites to further our understanding and examine a wide range of studies and opinions from across the world.

FICTIONAL, YET REAL LIFE SOLUTIONS

Although this book is fiction, the climate solutions presented therein are real and based on solid and international scientific research. In addition, the framework for the book’s solutions is built upon the world’s leading resources for climate solutions such as Project Drawdown’s Table of Solutions and Climate Interactive’s climate model.

Furthermore, these research entities comprises international scientific collaborations including universities, government labs, and non-profit research institutes. In fact, climate Interactive’s simulator model, developed in partnership with MIT, is used as the framework for many of the chapters in this book and has been used by 88 different countries. In conclusion, the book’s characters bring in multiple viewpoints to the topic of climate change which is meant to further an unbiased discussion thinking about issues from different points of view.

Each participant can either download a PDF of the book or purchase it as an ebook or paperback at any book retailer.

BOOK CLUB-LIKE STRUTURE

Consider starting each discussion with a check-in and/or opening questions so that students can get to know each other. Consequently, this will encourage some students to self-identify and share their strengths with the  rest of the group after having ice-breaker conversations. According to positive psychology thought, recognizing personal strengths and using these strengths for the greater good promotes happiness and living a meaningful life.

After the opener, it’s time to dive into that week’s topic discussing pertinent sections from the book and additional resources (that are often cited in the book’s endnotes.) Each member will be encouraged to participate in the discussions. However, the discussion facilitator should try to draw out quieter members and not allow others to dominate the conversation to ensure that everyone in the book circle has a voice and there is relatively equal “floor” time. At the end of the meetings, we recommend previewing the upcoming week’s topic and readings.

WEEK 1

Introduction to climate change. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is the United Nation’s body for assessing the science related to climate change, is a great resource. However, review what the sources of global greenhouse gas emissions are. Chapters 1-4 (23 pages)

WEEK 2

Exploring emissions by country as well as identifying concrete actions that effectively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Chapters 5-7 (20 pages)

WEEK 3

All about passive houses and renewables.
Chapters 8-11 (18 pages)

WEEK 4

Regenerative Agriculture
What is “regenerative agriculture” and what potential might it have to serve as a carbon sink? Here, participants are encouraged to watch the Netflix documentary “Kiss the Ground” that gives a nice overview of regenerative agriculture, but it is not required.
Chapter 15 (6 pages)

WEEK 5

“Eating” Fewer Emissions, exploring Project Drawdown, Transportation Solutions
Chapters 16-18 (12 pages)

WEEK 6

Lifting up Women: Exploring the connections between population, the status of women, as well as climate. A further look at Project Drawdown’s modeling.
Chapters 19-23 (18 pages)

WEEK 7

The Stuff We Buy, and Fast Fashion
Final discussion. What did you learn from reading this book or from discussion with your peers or from both? What do you still want to learn about? Did you identify any things that you’d like to do/take action? How will you use your strengths moving forward? What were your favorite discussions? Complete “Learned” category in their KWL (Know, Want to Learn, Learned) chart.
Chapters 24-29 (22 pages)

Please tag your discussions so we can track our impact.

#ClimateChangeCircles

Download a free copy of Ejected—The Story that Solves the Climate Crisis

Download