Lesson Video
Lesson Overview
A B2/B2+ Pro lesson on climate geoengineering and the second conditional. Students explore whether humans could reflect sunlight away from Earth, then discuss hypothetical climate solutions, risks, and consequences.
In this Pro lesson, students explore a provocative climate question: could humans reflect sunlight away from Earth to slow global warming? They watch an authentic explainer video about solar radiation modification, including giant mirrors in space, white rooftops, marine cloud brightening, and stratospheric aerosol injection.
The lesson builds key vocabulary for discussing climate science and geoengineering, then guides learners through a second conditional grammar focus. Students notice how would, could, and might help speakers discuss uncertain future consequences, from local cooling to altered rainfall patterns and regional risks.
The final task asks students to act as climate advisers. In groups, they evaluate one climate intervention, prepare a balanced recommendation, and present their decision to the class. The task encourages accurate second conditional use, critical thinking, and responsible discussion of climate solutions.
Objectives
- explain the basic idea of solar radiation modification
- identify key risks and limitations of different climate intervention ideas
- use vocabulary connected to climate change and geoengineering
- form second conditional sentences accurately
- discuss hypothetical solutions using would, could, and might
- evaluate climate decisions in a structured speaking task
Lesson Sections
- Can We Cool the Planet?
- Climate Fixes and Risks
- Simple Ideas, Big Problems
- Second Conditional for Climate Consequences
- High-Tech Options and Big Risks
- Climate Advisers' Decision
