Geography Awareness Week

November 14-18, 2022

Geography Awareness Week has encouraged citizens young and old to learn about the significance of place and how we affect and are affected by it. The third week of November, students, families, and community members celebrate the importance of geography by discussing geographic topics in the classroom or at home, as well as by getting outside to explore what the world has to offer and by participating in geography-themed events.

This year, Can Geo Education has decided to focus Geography Awareness Week on climate change and sustainability. Climate change affects our world in so many different ways, from melting glaciers and air pollution to global biodiversity loss and extreme weather events, such as droughts and heatwaves. However, we aren’t powerless, and there are ways to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, mitigate climate change effects, and adapt to a changing world. From everyday habits to larger systemic changes, we can educate ourselves about sustainability and make a difference in the fight against climate change. Living sustainably means taking actions to preserve our world and its natural resources for future generations. This is outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as with the goals set for sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and more. So what can you do? Use this Geography Awareness Week to learn more about issues related to climate change and positive actions grounded in sustainability. Have discussions with your students and families, raise awareness about climate change in your communities, take action in your everyday lives, and share what you learn!

During Geography Awareness Week, Can Geo Education will share climate change and sustainability resources as well as fun trivia on social media for prizes. See below how you can participate this week and access our resources.

Trivia contest on social media

For each day of Geography Awareness Week, we will be sharing a trivia question on our social media channels on the theme of climate change and sustainability. Reply to one of these posts with your answer and you will be entered into a draw to win a one-year subscription to Canadian Geographic!

Ways to celebrate Geography Awareness Week with your students

Launch into Geography Awareness Week with our amazing resources connected to climate change and sustainability:

Climate change infographics and learning activities – Explore the complex issue of climate change with this infographic series and activity set. From economic impacts to environmental effects, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to climate change.
Our relationship with the ocean StoryMap – Dive into this StoryMap to learn about climate change, pollution, and resource use and discover positive steps we can take toward living in balance with the ocean.
Reef Rescue interactive infographic – Coral bleaching is a serious issue affecting reefs around the world, with profound impacts for marine life everywhere. Learn more about the science behind the race to save coral reefs from extinction.
The water you eat infographic and lesson plan – Discover how water plays a role in our lives both directly and indirectly. Learn about what we can do as climate change and population growth place stress on this precious resource.
The Canadian Coast Guard and the Arctic – Learn about the Canadian Coast Guard’s role in the Canadian Arctic and their relationship with the Indigenous communities living in the North. This lesson plan looks at issues the Inuit and the North face as a result of climate change.
Google Earth Voyager story about Jill Heinerth – Explore this interactive story following the career of cave diver Jill Heinerth while learning about issues related to climate change and pollution.
Climate change and food security – Created in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, this activity is part of a series that explores the topic of global citizenship through a geographic lens.
Exploring Earth: Map of our planet – From agriculture to energy resources, get an out-of-this-world perspective on issues affecting our planet. Click on the theme of the human footprint to learn more.

Other Can Geo Education resources

There are many more amazing resources to explore for Geography Awareness Week and beyond. Here are a few highlights:

Ocean, Freshwater, and Us – This Giant Floor Map highlights the foundational connections between us and the ocean and fresh water that surround and sustain us. You can book this map and accompanying activities for free!
Our impact on plastic pollution – Learn about plastic pollution with our video series and discover how you can make a difference in reducing your plastic waste.
Anthropocene Education Program – Bring the science of the Anthropocene into your classroom and explore human impacts on the environment.