Deforestation and its impact on climate change

Students are able to analyze the causes and mechanisms of deforestation and understand the challenges to sustainable development in both the Global North and the Global South.

Learning objectives :

– analyze the socioeconomic, political, and ecological aspects of deforestation, so as not to view deforestation as strictly an environmental issue

– to understand and internalize the concept of sustainable development

– Identify the actors, from both the North and the South, involved in deforestation and understand their interests and roles.

– to recognize that, as consumers in the Global North, students are one of the key players in this situation and therefore have the ability to act as citizens.

– As students learn about the importance of democracy and the rights associated with it, their sense of citizenship is strengthened.

This workshop actually consists of two activities. The first is designed to help students understand the current system, the complex interdependencies between the North and the South, and the diversity of the actors involved—all through the use of string. To summarize this first activity, students create a «problem tree» by outlining the causes and consequences of deforestation.

The second session, meanwhile, is devoted to exploring alternatives with the students. How can young people make a difference? What opportunities exist in Luxembourg? This second part really helps inform students about various local initiatives—which are often little known (such as the FSC label, Klimabündnis, etc.)—and shows them that change starts right here: at their high school (by requesting that the administration implement a systematic paper recycling program, for example) and in their community…And finally, they realize that the first step toward change is raising awareness among those around them.

Finally, FDH invites them to work in groups of four or five students to create a poster to raise awareness among their peers about this issue and the solutions—which are within everyone’s reach.

Frères des Hommes is seeking a medium-term partnership with the school. This means that this awareness-raising workshop is only the first step in an awareness-raising program. Depending on the expectations and available resources of each party, 2 to 3 sessions should be organized to provide students with an in-depth exploration of this complex topic; these sessions will be followed by an open forum where students can express their thoughts and share their perspectives.

The workshops are based on interactive methodologies, including group work, discussions, and the “string game,” which help illustrate the systemic approach to the issue.

The involvement and commitment of management and a group of teachers/educators are essential to the success of the awareness-raising project and to ensure that the experience has a multiplier effect.