In an era of conflict, polarisation, and increasing pressure on our natural resources, the call to protect the planet has never been more urgent. But how do we help young people not just understand global issues, but debate them critically and communicate their own ideas with confidence?
At The Economist Educational Foundation, we don’t just deliver fact-checked, journalist-led insights – we turn them into powerful classroom discussions. Our expertly-designed lesson plans help students not only understand complex global issues but debate them critically, challenge different perspectives and communicate their own ideas with confidence.
This Earth Day, we’re bringing you two opportunities to spark meaningful classroom discussions on the climate crisis: a collection of ready-to-teach, oracy-focused lessons and a free, interactive live lesson. Designed to strengthen speaking, listening and argument-building skills, these resources help young people think critically and express themselves persuasively on the most urgent issues of their time.
Engaging lessons to spark climate conversations
To mark Earth Day 2025, we’re offering a range of free, ready-to-teach lessons that help students explore today’s most urgent environmental issues. Linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, our lessons encourage students to speak confidently, debate different perspectives and challenge their own assumptions about the world.
- Should fast fashion be banned?
- Is AI’s impact on the climate worth its potential benefits?
- Are governments doing enough to stop wildfires?
- Can greenwashing be stopped?
These are just some of the big questions your students will debate, discuss and think critically about through our lessons.
Each of our free lessons contains:
- Expertly crafted resources – including accurate, balanced climate content
- Clear teacher instructions and an accessible PowerPoint
- Oracy-focused activities to help students speak clearly, listen actively and build strong arguments
Join our live lesson
Can renewable energy breakthroughs power us to net-zero?
To celebrate this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, we’re hosting a free, online live lesson on Wednesday April 23rd 2025 at 10am and 3pm (BST). The lesson will focus on global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, explore breakthroughs in the news and help students think critically about the future of sustainability.
This Earth Day, empower your students with lessons that inform, engage and inspire, so they can have their say on the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet.
Explore the full Earth Day collection here.