D.A.Sonnenfeld, Instructor EST 361 SUNY-ESF Fall 2014 Debate #4
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
Our fourth debate will be held during regular class hours, in three weeks, on Thurs., Dec. 4. Each discussion group will select two representatives for debating the proposition detailed below. At the time of the debate, two pairs of representatives will be asked to take the perspective of advocates for political/ institutional change (e.g. Gus Speth, anti-globalization…); the other two pairs the point of view of advocates for individual lifestyle change (e.g. 'living simply', DIY, co-housing, permaculture, veganism). All discussion groups and representatives should be prepared to make the most convincing argument possible for both sides of the debate.
Whereas over the last 60 years or more humans, especially in affluent nations, have increasingly and rapidly been despoiling the planet's land, air, water; and
Whereas in this time human population has exceeded 7 billion and continues to grow; and
Whereas the biodiversity of this Earth's flora, fauna and ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic continues to be depleted at rapid rates; and
Whereas social inequality, including access to healthy food, drinkable water and natural resources, is increasing rapidly in this country and globally; and
Whereas the dominant economic and political systems extant among human civilizations on this planet show few signs of changing voluntarily or sufficiently quickly in more sustainable and just directions; therefore…
Be it resolved that:
It is imperative that we move to establish, participate in and lead an invigorated glocal* environmental movement that confronts, challenges and changes the institutional roots of these problems: global capitalism, investment firms, and political parties that prop it up.
The debate scheduling will be: (5 min.) the two sides prepare their opening arguments; (@ 5 min) opening arguments; (5 min.) the two sides prepare their rebuttal; (12 min.) point- counterpoint rebuttal; (15 min.) audience questions; (5 min.) the two sides prepare their closing remarks; (@ 5 min. + 3 min. from audience) closing remarks; (12 min.) debriefing.
* Global + local