In the face of climate change, all communities have become involved to a greater or lesser extent in the issue of ecological sustainability. To increase the understanding and appreciation of their own community, this theme will investigate how local factors that affect the environment have also affected their community.

• The processes and practices of industry could be compared and contrasted between communities to develop an understanding of each community’s role in climate change or climate preservation.
• Learners might come to the realisation that they must understand and improve their own communities before they can attempt to improve the world.
• Students could be given the opportunity to visit local sites where environmental developments are occurring and speak with individuals who are at the forefront of sustainable ecological development. Aspects of the local labour force that have ecological impacts could be examined for understanding through research and in the creation of art works.
• Environmentally conscious practices should be researched and compared between the UK/China in order for a global picture to be established.

Within this theme, the second phase could involve students identifying an ecological need within their community and acting upon it.

• Learners could develop a plan that will enable them to improve their community’s natural environment, such as planting trees.
• Regardless of the specific action that is taken, a plan should be put into place that will boost the public’s sentiments for environmental sustainability.