United Kingdom
Rhian Wonkley
English
Project description
In this ESM2025 video project, the class focused on permafrost thaw and its role in the carbon cycle. Supported by an ESM2025 researcher (in land-surface and permafrost processes) and simple guidance on video production, students investigated where permafrost is found, how it is changing with warming, and how thawing soils can release carbon dioxide and methane or alter plant growth and hydrology. They worked together to produce a home-made video, designed for local stakeholders. The video was presented at a community event and later contributed to the professional ESM2025 final results film.
Project goals
Strengthen student understanding of permafrost, its distribution, and how thaw can influence greenhouse gas emissions and regional hydrology.
Link classroom learning to cutting-edge research, using ESM2025 permafrost and wetland topics to discuss feedbacks between frozen soils, carbon release and climate.
Build digital and teamwork skills through collaborative planning, filming and editing of a stakeholder-oriented video in the students’ own language.
Engage local stakeholders by sharing accessible explanations of why distant frozen regions matter for global climate and, indirectly, local conditions.
Feed into a European-level outcome, with the class project serving as raw material for the professionally produced ESM2025 final results video.