Resource

Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change

Climate change is, without doubt, one of the biggest challenges facing society but who is ultimately responsible for tackling it?

Use our free resources available to all UK secondary schools to explore with your students who should be held accountable for climate change and its effects and examine how the law is being used as a vehicle for change.

Overview

In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate crisis. Help your students understand the impact the COP26 had and the key issues at play through our classroom resource.

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 or S3-S6, this resource is designed to be run over a 1-2 hour period. Students are introduced to key pieces of environmental legislation and critically analyse what impact this legislation is having on tackling climate change now and in the future.

By the end of the lesson(s) students will be able to:

  • Analyse who is responsible for tackling climate change and who is responsible for addressing its effects;
  • Explain the key outcomes of a range of climate change related legislation and examine how these are being used to drive change;
  • Critically consider the role of the law in real life cases and explain how people are using the law to challenge decisions and instigate change.

 

Acknowledgments: 

This classroom resource was developed in partnership with and funded by the international law firm CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.

We would like to thank the staff and pupils at Balerno High School, Eastbank Academy, Maria Fidelis Catholic School and Mulberry School for Girls for their input during the piloting of this resource pack.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Discrimination

In this lesson pupils will develop their understanding of the term ‘discrimination’. Pupils will consider what makes them unique and learn which characteristics are protected under the Equality Act. Pupils…

More Community resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Looking Out For Others

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

Class Posters, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Stand up for Others (poster)

We are always willing to help others and to speak up for people who struggle to make their voices heard. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our Communities

In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Fake News: The Evolution of Media

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Local and Central Government

This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

What is a Charity?

Pupils learn about the reasons why charities are created. They will be introduced to the main features of a charity and have the opportunity to research the work of a…

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Gandhi

This assembly is an introduction to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.   Some of the themes that the assembly looks at can be further explored in the lessons: Inspirational…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

More Sustainability and the Environment resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

World Female Ranger Day (KS1)

During this lesson pupils will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…

Assemblies, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

World Female Ranger Day (KS2 assembly)

During this assembly children will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs protecting…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Why Do We Have Rules?

In this lesson pupils will think about the purpose of rules by reflecting on what life might be like without them. Pupils will discuss different types of rules in the…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson introduces students to the concepts of their legal rights and responsibilities and explores how the law impacts their daily lives. Students explore the different ages that various laws…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock G7 Pack

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock G7 Pack

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.