Earth Day 2026 live lesson
22 April 2026
Wednesday April 22nd 2026
The 1.5°C climate goal: can failure lead to progress?
This Earth Day, nearly 4,000 students in 28 countries joined online for an energetic, interactive live lesson which explored how scientists learn from failure, update their thinking and build better answers over time.
It has been reported that the world will miss the 1.5°C climate target, the apparent "point of no return”. In this lesson, we helped students separate scientific uncertainty from political inaction and understand why changing a forecast isn’t the same as “getting it wrong.”
Our experts answered students' questions
The Live Lesson sparked brilliant questions from students, but there wasn’t enough time to cover them all. So we caught up with Mikel and Yasmin afterwards to ask a couple more.
Find out if your student's question was answered here:
During the one-hour lesson, students:
- Took part in lively, interactive activities on climate change, media literacy and nurturing a growth mindset
- Explored what climate models are and why projections change as evidence improves
- Shared reactions to the headline through live polls, games and discussion tasks
- Met an expert guest and joined a live Q&A
The live lesson ran online at 10-11am and 2-3pm (UTC+1/BST) to welcome schools across different time zones.
Registration for this event is now closed.
Special guests
This live lesson featured experts who answered student's questions live and helped them understand the topic. Up to two experts will feature in each lesson.
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Yixi Zheng a scientist from British Antarctic Survey. Yixi is a Sub Ice Shelf Physical Oceanographer
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Yasmin de Silva is a sustainability expert from PA Consulting. Yasmin is a Consultant Analyst - Sustainability and Decarbonisation Strategy
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Mikel Santos is a sustainability expert from PA Consulting. Mikel is an Associate Partner – Sustainable Growth and Transformation Lead.
FAQs
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What time is the live lesson different timezones?
Atlanta, Georgia
- 9 am UTC = 5:00 am EST
- 1 pm UTC = 9:00 am EST
UK / Nigeria
- 9 am UTC = 10:00 am BST/UTC+1
- 1 pm UTC = 2:00 pm BST/UTC+1
Spain
- 9am UTC = 11:00 am CET
- 1 pm UTC = 3:00 pm CET
India
- 9am UTC = 2:30 pm IST
- 1 pm UTC = 6:30 pm IST
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How do I sign up?
Register your class via our Zoom links for the 10am or 2pm (UTC+1) lesson.
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I don’t have a Topical Talk account, can my class take part?
Absolutely! You don't need an account to access the live lesson.
However, we encourage teachers to sign up to access our resource library and receive our latest Headline lesson each week. It's free, and only takes a minute to create! Get your account here.
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Do I need to prepare anything?
To get the most from our live lessons, you'll need a screen, speakers and a stable internet connection. You will also need a second device to access Menti.com and take part in the live polls and dicussions.
Ahead of the event, an information will be added to this page with all the details you need to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for you and your students. -
Does this work as a standalone lesson?
Yes – the live lessons can be enjoyed as a standalone event.
A classroom lesson plan to complement the live lesson will be available from Monday April 20th. -
What is the format of a Topical Talk live lesson?
Live lessons are delivered online by experienced teachers at The Economist Educational Foundation. We introduce key words and concepts, set polls and challenges and lead a range of discussion activities. Students hear from inspiring leaders and have the chance to get their questions answered.