The Global Energy Battle
Aims
Explore how the choices countries make about energy could affect household bills and the climate.
The lesson, stage by stage
- News10 min
In the news: The story
Read a 136-word news story: Energy Choices Could Shape Your Next Bill
Energy bills in the UK may rise sharply this winter, according to recent forecasts. International conflict and tight gas supplies have caused a price shock, showing how events far away can affect what families pay at home. The United States is producing more fossil fuels, while China makes much of the world’s renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels and batteries. The UK relies on both, so leaders must balance lower costs, climate goals and energy security—having a steady supply of power. Drilling for more oil and gas may not lower bills, because these fuels are sold on world markets. Wind and solar power avoid the need to buy fuel each time they produce electricity, but building them and their supply chain can be costly, so renewable power does not always mean cheaper bills right away.
- Vocabulary8 min
Vocabulary: Words in the news
6 items
- Discussion10 min
Discussion: Choosing an energy path
2 discussion questions
- If you were making energy plans for a country, what would you try first: more local oil and gas, or more wind and solar?
- What would make you trust that your energy supply would stay steady during a crisis?
- Discussion10 min
Discussion: Bills at home
2 discussion questions
- Have changes in the cost of heating, electricity, or fuel affected choices in your home?
- What do you or people around you do when everyday costs rise suddenly?
- Discussion10 min
Discussion: Who should provide our energy?
2 discussion questions
- Should countries make more energy equipment at home, even if it costs more at first?
- How should leaders balance affordable energy today with the need to reduce pollution for the future?
Target vocabulary
In a Tuton account these words become your student's vocabulary deck, so they come back in practice between lessons.
- energy bill
- The amount a home pays for power and heating
- price shock
- A sudden, large change in the cost of something
- fossil fuels
- Coal, oil, and gas used to produce energy
- renewable energy
- Energy from sources that nature replaces, like wind or sun
- energy security
- Having a reliable supply of energy when it is needed
- supply chain
- The steps and businesses that bring goods to buyers
This plan comes from the Environment course in the Tuton library. Browse all free lesson plans.