Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: impact of economic growth on the environment and climate change
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how economic growth is measured using real GDP growth rates.
  • Explain the main environmental impacts of increased economic output.
  • Analyse the link between carbon emissions, economic growth, and climate change.
  • Evaluate policy tools that can mitigate environmental damage while supporting growth.
  • Apply sustainability indicators to assess whether growth is environmentally sustainable.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising key concepts and tables
  • Calculator or spreadsheet for simple calculations
  • Case‑study worksheet on green growth
  • Sticky notes for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “When you hear ‘economic growth’, what first comes to mind?” Capture responses, then link to the lesson’s focus on how that growth can strain the environment and drive climate change. Explain that by the end of the session students will be able to identify impacts, interpret sustainability indicators, and propose policy responses.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write a brief definition of economic growth and list one environmental concern they associate with it.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key concepts, growth measurement, and environmental impacts using slides and the trade‑off table.
  3. Interactive activity (12'): In groups, analyse a row of the trade‑off table, discuss mitigation options, and record ideas on sticky notes.
  4. Case‑study analysis (10'): Groups work on a worksheet examining a real‑world green‑growth example, linking carbon intensity, policy tools, and sustainability indicators.
  5. Whole‑class debrief (8'): Groups share findings; teacher highlights connections to the emissions identity and policy responses.
  6. Quick quiz (5'): Exit ticket with three short questions to check understanding of the growth‑environment link and mitigation strategies.
Conclusion:
Summarise that while economic growth can improve living standards, it often intensifies resource use and emissions, requiring targeted policies to achieve green growth. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one mitigation measure they would prioritize. For homework, assign a brief research task to find a recent national policy aimed at decoupling growth from carbon emissions.