Climate Emergency Feedback Loops Albedo Video

Susan Gray, Bonnie Waltch, Moving Still Productions

This 10 minute video describes the influence of global warming on climate-related feedback loops. This video uses expert scientists and graphical illustrations to describe the importance of arctic reflectivity, or albedo, in regulating the global climate. The video indicates that a loss of this reflectivity is resulting in a reduction of sea-ice, which influences extreme climate conditions.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

This video might be interesting to consider as one type of climate communication- a resource based on motivating action through an understanding of the risks of inaction. This mode of communication has been common over the past 20 years and considering its possible impacts would be a good exercise in unpacking types of outreach materials. The concept of albedo itself needs more unpacking if students are to understand the terms and processes being discussed in this video. Consider using this NASA resource, [link https://cleanet.org/resources/58959.html], to support an understanding of albedo prior to using this video or the introduction video referenced. Consider using this video to either begin or extend a curriculum on feedback loops and climate change, or to discuss the connections between climate change, sea level rise, and risks to communities.
Reputable scientists are featured but many of the figures and facts discussed need to be expanded upon. Consider providing students with more background information and data. There are some links in the teacher guide to scientific resources. Background information on feedback loops is not provided and would require some discussion. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
There is an accompanying teachers guide on the website, but it takes some work to find it- [link https://feedbackloopsclimate.com/educational-materials/]. Click on the "Menu" button in the top-right corner of the page, then click on "Educational Materials" to access the Curriculum Guide and the Discussion Guides for the videos. The guide consists of foundational questions to test knowledge and supports a deeper understanding of the material with future-directed questions. Additional resources are listed at the end of the guide. This video is primarily focused on why this change is a problem and what is causing it. The language used in this video includes many words like vicious, out of control, etc. that may lead to feelings of shock or sadness. However, the ending provides some positive perspectives and actions that can be taken by individuals, which can be used to pivot to a discussion about solutions. The discussion questions also provide prompts for students to think about solutions, while understanding the seriousness of the issue. The intro video would be helpful for students and educators to watch before diving into this video- [link https://feedbackloopsclimate.com/introduction/]