How do we balance the need for goods and energy with the harmful impact production, transportation, and use has on the environment?
Directions: Imagine that you are at a United Nations press conference and are responsible for answering questions on the following topic: How do we balance the need for goods and energy with the harmful impact production, transportation, and use has on the environment? You have been given the questions ahead of time so that you can carefully plan your answers. You will need to carefully craft an answer to EACH of the following questions: What is your opinion on jobs vs the environment? What limits do you set to allow for economic growth with the least environmental impact? What ethical issues does this involve? 2. As a regulatory official, what kind of information would you need to determine if a chemical is “safe”? Not using this chemical is not an option. How can you handle this? How would you address the potential threat to the air, water, land, or human health? What level of risk would you find acceptable for society? Why? 3. Nuclear power is one of the world largest energy producers. In light of the recent nuclear accidents in Japan and a growing demand for energy, does it concern you that nuclear power is one of the most abundant sources of potential for energy growth? What types of problems does using nuclear power present? What will you tell the people about the safety of nuclear power? What types of renewable energy could be a viable alternative? How could both nuclear energy and renewable energy impact the threat of climate change? Explain your ideas. 4. The Amazon Basin contains some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The rate of deforestation and habitat destruction remains a threat to the area. Some of this is due to the slash and burn clearing techniques used in the area to create open land for agriculture. What can you say to convince the government in the area that this issue needs to be addressed? What suggestions will you make regarding the issue? How will these impact the local people?
