About This Lesson
Teach about the origins of the current climate crisis, how we got here, and where we can go from here with this hope-focused resource!
About the Film
The White House Effect tells the story of how climate change transformed from a scientific issue to a political crisis. Through a powerful assemblage of archival footage, The White House Effect shows how U.S. presidents from Jimmy Carter through George H.W. Bush grappled with the first clear scientific warnings about a warming planet. It reveals how early promises of action were reshaped by political pressure and economic interests, and how those decisions set the stage for the climate challenges we now face. Instead of relying on simple takeaways, the film lets history unfold in real time and invites viewers to consider the significance of those choices both in their moment and in ours today.
Resources to Teach with this Film
We offer two guides for this film, both available here.
- A Learning Guide/Discussion and Activity Guide, for grades 6-12;
- A Community Discussion Guide / Film Guide, for public screenings and adult/higher ed/ community education.
Because climate change is often framed in polarized terms, these guides are designed to create space for thoughtful, reflective dialogue. By looking back to a time before climate change became so politicized, individuals can see what once seemed possible—and imagine what can still be achieved today.
Each section begins with key events from the film and moves to deeper, more profound questions about leadership, responsibility, and values. The goal is to understand what happened, while considering what it means for people and communities everywhere — and how each of us has a vital role to play in shaping what comes next.
The questions and activities in this guide invite conversation and self-reflection, encouraging participants to ask: Who am I in this story, and how does my voice matter in the climate conversation?
There is a significant Resources list at the end of the Film Guide, including films, books, action groups, and support for addressing grief and providing hope.
These guides are flexible: they can be used by showing the film all at once, but we recommend breaking the film into shorter segments to fit into classroom structures and opportunities for reflection and discussion.
This is a powerful film to teach with for Earth Day, Earth Week and Earth Month, as well as all year round!
Learn more about teaching with The White House Effect including where to watch and related resources at Journeys in Film.
