Pan Hai Bo's Story
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Provided by: Asian Pacific Environmental Network|Published on: March 12, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video features Pan Hai Bo, who immigrated to Oakland, California, from China in 1991 and joined the Asian Pacific Environmental Network after hearing about plans to put in a coal export facility that would pollute the air in Oakland.
- Students will learn about the health impacts of coal dust in the air and how people work to fight for their right to clean air.
Subjects: Health
Authors: Asian Pacific Environmental Network
Region: California
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Pan Hai Bo gives an important message about what can be accomplished if we all care for the environment and oppose things that will harm it.
- This video is brief, giving students the opportunity to watch it multiple times for a closer read.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand that coal is a fossil fuel and is used for energy.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can watch this video to see a youth activist's perspective on the issue of coal ash or check out this lesson to expand on the health and environmental impacts related to coal ash.
- Students who do not have the reading fluency to keep up with the subtitles on the screen or students who are auditory learners may benefit from having the teacher read the subtitles aloud.
- To make connections to climate change, teachers can remind students about the impacts of burning fossil fuels like coal on the climate. Teachers can also use this video to show the interconnectedness between the Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
This video resource features a testimonial of an immigrant to Oakland, California, working with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network to challenge a proposed coal export facility. Environmental justice is at the forefront as the health effects of coal are discussed. Notably, the climate implications of coal are not mentioned, but this video presents a strong case against coal. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
