| BG.3 | Environment Mythbusters: Facts vs. Reality | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | SCAS | |
| Overall description (Tell us the story of this activity) | This interactive practice is based on myth busting. The facilitator will read the 15 statements below and the participants have to deduce whether the statement is myth or reality. The goal of the interactive practice is to challenge misinformation and inspire the adoption of better practices. The practice is suitable for all generations and is perfect for fostering intergenerational dialogue on environmental topics. | |
| Total Duration: | 2 hrs. | |
| Group size: | 10 -15 people. Mix of older adults (e.g., grandparents, retirees, seniors) and younger participants (e.g., teenagers and other young people). | |
| List of materials: (from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | None | |
| Activity’s objectives: (what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | To foster intergenerational collaboration and knowledge sharing; To challenge common myths about environmental concepts; Promote green practices and greener lifestyle changes; | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | 2024 was the world’s warmest year on record Information source: https://www.noaa.gov/news/2024-was-worlds-warmest-year-on-record#:~:text=It’s%20official%3A%202024%20was%20the,extent%20(coverage)%20on%20record.  Image source: Pexels (CC0) | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time: (mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 10 mins | STEP 1. Introduce the game | |
| 1 hr 20 mins | STEP 2. The game of myth busting The facilitator will carefully read the first statement (statements provided below). The group will begin to discuss whether it’s myth or fact, they are discouraged to fact check on their devises. Facilitate healthy discussions. After allowing some time for discussions, the facilitator will reveal the truth and read the explanation provided. Move to next question and so on. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 6: Reflection Participants are asked to reflect on what they have learned from the activity. Which statements came as surprise to them. Where there any myths they believed in prior to the interactive practice? Have their opinion changed on the topics? | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | No | |
| Preparations for the activity: (what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | Facilitator needs to get acquainted with the questions provided below prior to the exercise. | |
| Evaluation of the activity: (Describe how will you explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | Encourage participants to share their reflections and insights. Use open-ended questions to explore their perspectives Facilitate structured discussions to gather information about participants motivation, feelings and thoughts on the topics. | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Increased awareness of common myths and misconceptions on environmental topics; Promotion of intergenerational discussions; Challenging myths | |
| Appendices (If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | The 15 Statements 1 “Recycling alone will solve the plastic pollution problem.” (Myth) While recycling is important, reducing consumption and reusing materials are equally, if not more, crucial. 2 “Climate change is solely caused by natural variations in the Earth’s orbit.” (Myth) The overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary driver of current climate change. 3 “Planting trees helps to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.” (Fact) Trees act as carbon sinks, removing CO2 during photosynthesis. 4 “Electric vehicles produce zero emissions.” (Myth) While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, the production of their batteries and the source of the electricity used to charge them can contribute to emissions. 5 “Sustainable products are always more expensive.” (Myth) While some sustainable products may have a higher upfront cost, they often lead to long-term savings through energy efficiency or durability. 6 “The Earth’s climate has never changed before.” (Myth) The Earth’s climate has naturally changed throughout its history, but the current rate of change is unprecedented. 7 “Individual actions don’t make a difference in combating climate change.” (Myth) Collective individual actions, such as reducing energy consumption and waste, can have a significant impact. 8 “Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are unreliable.” (Myth) Advances in technology and energy storage are making renewable energy sources increasingly reliable. 9 “Eating less meat can reduce your carbon footprint.” (Fact) Livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. 10 “The ozone layer hole is the main cause of global warming.” (Myth) The ozone hole and global warming are seperate issues, but both are environmental concerns. 11 “All plastic is recyclable.” (Myth) Many types of plastics are not recyclable, and those that are often have limited recycling capabilities. 12 “Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs saves energy.” (Fact) LED bulbs, for example, use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. 13 “Climate change only affects polar bears.” (Myth) Climate change has wide ranging effects that effect every part of the globe, including humans. 14 “Buying local produce reduces your carbon footprint.” (Fact) Transporting food over long distances consumes fossil fuels and contributes to emissions. 15 “Technology will solve all our environmental problems.” (Myth) While technology plays a role, changes in consumption patterns and lifestyles are also necessary. 16 “2024 was the hottest year on record.” (Fact) | |
Environment Mythbusters: Facts vs. Reality #5