Resources

Fossil fuels and global carbon emissions | 14–16 years

By

An image showing the pages available in the downloads with corn in the shape of a 7 in the foreground.

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Classroom activity where learners explore and debate the issues around fossil fuels, energy and global carbon emissions

In this activity learners will act as a policy makers who needs to decide if the burning of fossil fuels should be banned globally. They are introduced to a range of viewpoints from their team of international advisers, before debating the pros and cons of banning the burning of fossil fuels. Learners are then asked to write down what their policy for the use of fossil fuels will be and justify their decision.

The activity helps to link UN Sustainable development goal 7 ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all to your current teaching. The perspectives presented by the international team of advisers in the resource will help learners to understand the full challenge goal 7 presents and should trigger a lively debate. 

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.