Question

POLLUTION: Students [Group A] strongly believe we can find ways to make pollution a thing of the past; Students [Group B] strongly believe this is impossible. Discuss and make a 3 minute presentation to the class.

Answer 1

Presentation - Group A: We can make pollution a thing of the past

Pollution is a serious problem, but it is not impossible to reduce it. People and governments can choose cleaner energy, improve public transport, reduce waste and protect green spaces. Science can also create new solutions. The article gives an example: denim coated with tiny particles of titanium dioxide can react with air and light to break down harmful emissions. If this technology works on a large scale, everyday clothing could help clean the air. No single invention will solve every environmental problem, so we must also change how we travel, produce goods and use energy. If communities, scientists and governments work together, pollution can be greatly reduced and some forms may eventually disappear. The future depends on the choices we make today.

Presentation - Group B: Pollution cannot be made completely a thing of the past

Pollution is caused by many activities, including transport, industry and the production of energy and goods. It is difficult to remove all these causes because modern life depends on many of them. New ideas, such as air-cleaning jeans, may help, but they are not a complete solution. Their effect would depend on how well the technology works, how many people use it and whether it can be produced without creating other environmental problems. Even if air pollution is reduced in one place, other kinds of pollution may remain. We should support cleaner technologies and do our best to limit pollution, but claiming that pollution can disappear entirely may be unrealistic. Our goal should be to reduce pollution as much as possible and protect people’s health.