This 11-lesson unit explores one of the defining challenges of our time. You will learn the science of how Earth's climate works and why it is changing, examine the impacts on ecosystems and communities, and evaluate how we respond, through mitigation, adaptation, smarter use of resources, and the sustainable practices Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used to care for Country for over 60,000 years.
Students explain how natural processes and human activities interact to change Earth's climate and environment, and analyse the scientific evidence for climate change.
Students evaluate strategies for environmental sustainability, including mitigation, adaptation, alternative resource use and recycling, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to managing Country.
Climate as a long-term average; Australia's climate diversity; reading climate data
2Natural Climate VariationMilankovitch cycles, ice cores and proxy records, natural variability
3The Greenhouse EffectNatural vs enhanced greenhouse effect; key greenhouse gases; feedbacks
4Evidence for Human-Caused Climate ChangeKeeling Curve, ice-core CO₂, ¹³C fingerprint, attribution science
Cumulative assessment for Lessons 1-4
Ocean warming and bleaching, sea-level rise, acidification, biodiversity
6Mitigation Strategies, Renewable EnergySolar, wind, hydro, storage, nature-based solutions, circular economy
7Adaptation StrategiesManaged retreat, water-sensitive design, Aboriginal cultural (cool) burning
8Australia's Role in International Climate ActionParis Agreement, net-zero targets, emissions, carbon credits
Cumulative assessment for Lessons 5-8
Planetary boundaries, circular vs linear economy, intergenerational equity
10Depth Study, Environmental Science InvestigationWorking Scientifically, primary vs secondary data, evaluating sources
11Unit Synthesis and ReviewConnecting science, impacts, action and sustainability principles
Cumulative assessment for Lessons 9-11
🏆 Unit QuizComprehensive assessment covering all 11 lessons