Doing the Math on Climate Change
Teacher Joshua Enns participating the People’s March – the largest enviromental march held in global history.
Just over a week ago, Mr. Enns’ grade nine Mathematics students were asked in their Math Warm Up Questions: “Can you reduce 2795/565? How would you write it as a mixed number? What do you think this number could represent?”
While students came up with all sorts of ideas about what 4.95 could represent, the conversation eventually focused around discussing the role of numbers in measurements. In particular, 4.95 times is how much more fossil fuels we currently have in our reserves, beyond what the most conservative climate scientists say is “safe” to use.
In line with Rockway’s pillars of embracing responsible and globally-minded learning, students in grade 9 were asked to think about what Climate Math means in real terms. They also enjoyed watching a short excerpt from the documentary “Do the Math”, released by Bill McKibben last year. Discussion in class focused on the opportunity for students to explore small empowering steps in creating positive change, and students were invited to attend the local KW climate march this past September 21.
To highlight the importance of this topic, Mr. Enns travelled to New York City to attend the largest climate march in the world’s history. He had a fantastic time marching with over 310 000 others, and came back both inspired and renewed.
Upon returning, he reflected:
“We are not protesters but protectors, peacemakers. Being a peacemaker is a commitment to struggle and to long term solutions. Climate peacemakers are charged with changing our violent cultural tendencies and helping the planet return to its God-intended bounty.”
A few helpful references…
- The numbers:
- 2795 gigatons (the amount of oil in gas companies’ reserves)
- 565 gigatons (the amount of oil we can safely use to keep the planet from warming above an average of 2 degrees Celsius)
- Do the math – Documentary by Bill McKibben
- Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math, Rolling Stone
- Waterloo’s Climate March
- People’s Climate March
