Topic 4: Addressing Power, Gender, and Equality through Climate Education

The effects of climate change are not experienced equally across different demographics, making it a pivotal issue for discussions around power, gender, and equality. This course unit provides Life Orientation teachers with the tools to address these complex social dynamics within the context of environmental education. By understanding how climate change intersects with issues of power relations, gender roles, and social inequalities, teachers can promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate action. This comprehensive perspective ensures that learners appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in addressing global challenges, fostering respect and empathy in their interactions and initiatives.

Addressing Power, Gender, and Equality through Climate Education in Life Orientation CAPS

Topic: Gender equity and gender-based violence

Term 4 Week 1 to 4

Topic: Gender inequality, stereotypical view of gender roles and responsibility

Term 1 Week 1 to 3

Topic: Gender and power inequality. Gender roles and effects on health and well-being: self, family and community.

Term 4 Week 1 to 3

To teach Life Orientation for sustainability in a situation of climate change, one must investigate the following questions:

  • What is climate change?

  • How did our past activities contribute to climate change?

  • What are the consequences of our actions and how will climate change affect our sustainable living and well-being?

  • What can be done to address climate change’s effects and challenges to ensure a sustainable future on earth?

  • How can we prepare our learners and communities to understand the consequences of climate change in order for them to respond and become actively part of the resilience and adaptation process?

Read the following articles to understand the impact of climate change on Southern Africa and the Southern African youth.

Watch the two YouTube videos discussing the impact of climate change in Southern Africa and the larger African context.

Click on the articles below about the recent floods in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and Australia. Answer the following questions on the effects of climate change on a global and local scale. How would you start a conversation to discuss these topics related to climate change in your classroom?

  • What kind of precautions can be implemented to manage natural disasters better?
  • What would the Life Orientation teacher’s role be once this community returns to school?
  • Looking at the recommended solution-orientated teaching approach, is this article a good fit for a lesson start-up story?
  • If a learner brings this article in for discussion, how would you discuss it from a Life Orientation point of view in the context of climate change as a matter of concern?

Open this session’s forum and tell us what role do you think the Life Orientation classroom setting plays in preparing our learners and community to respond to climate change?