A Heated Debate:  Should we pass legislation that will slow down the emission of carbon dioxide?   PDF of this activity

The city of Fuelville is a big city located in the mid western part of the United States.  Its claim to fame is its large automobile industry.  There also is a modest logging industry which has been the livelihood of families in the area for many generations.  The outskirts of the western side of the town border upon a National Park which includes lakes, forests, and an abundance of wildlife (including some endangered species).  Housing developments in the suburbs have increased due to the great number of jobs at the newly expanded car factory. 

Due to the concern about global warming, new legislation has been proposed in the county to reduce auto emissions as well as decrease the amount of acreage that may be logged for human use.  Today we are at a hearing at city hall so that county legislators may hear what their constituents have to say about the legislation.  They want to make an informed decision when they vote on the legislation.  Good luck to both sides!

 **Remember:  Everyone may criticize ideas, but no one may criticize persons!!

 The Legislators

(who will make a decision as to which way they will vote)

Composed of students.  Must listen to both sides and make judgment on the cases provided.  The decision must rely only on the information presented and must be objective for this activity to succeed.

 The Environmentalist

 He/she does not live in Fuelville, but is very concerned with the deforestation in the area.  He has been apprised of the fact that an endangered species of bird is a known inhabitant of the woods around Fuelville as well as in the National Park.  Many animals within the park also rely on food sources outside the perimeter of the park.

 The Politician

 The politician depends upon campaign funding from both the automotive and logging companies.  He does not believe that global warming is such a big issue.

 The Logging Company 

The owner of the logging company has lived his entire life in the same house as his father and his grandfather.  His well-being is dependent on his ability to cut down trees that support the lumber and housing industries in the city.  He has four children ranging in age from 6-17.  He has no other career besides his knowledge of logging.  All of the employees in his company have a similar life history.

 The Research Scientist 

The research scientist works for an organization called Greenpeace.  His area of expertise involves the issue of global warming and climate change.  He is concerned about the burning of fossil fuels as well as the deforestation that is occurring in the area.  “Greenpeace believes that a future without fossil fuels is essential to preserve the environment from the serious risk of climate change. We know real alternatives exist. If we really want to stop global warming we can!”

 Taxpayer # 1 

She/he is very concerned about the legislation and what it will do to the cost of cars, as well as the impact on the two main employers in the city.  She is opposed to the legislation because of the impact it will have on the city economically.

 Taxpayer # 2 

He/she has just moved to the suburbs and raising a family.  His daughters both have asthma and had a difficult time living in the city with all of the pollution that is getting worse by the day.  He is also concerned with the change in weather patterns that have resulted in poor crop yields in the area.

 The Car Company Owner 

His concerns lie in a profit.  He has many resources to his benefit, such as money, lawyers, and political favors.  It is his job to see that the automotive industry is not hurt as well as to save jobs for the people of the city.

 The Real Estate Agent

He has been the top selling agent for the last 3 years.  His best sales pitch is dependent upon the woods surrounding the new developments in the suburbs of the city.  He has been angry at the logging companies and the pace at which they are cutting down the trees around the developments.