Pre-reading questions:
- What does the concept of “climate rights” mean?
- Do you believe that future generations should have climate rights? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- witness /WIT-nis/
- opponent /uh-POH-nuhnt/
- desire /dih-ZAHYUHR/
- complex /KOM-pleks/
- consideration /kuhn-sid-uh-REY-shuhn/
[verb] – to see something happen
I was able to witness a beautiful sunset from the top of the mountain during my hiking trip last weekend.
[noun] – a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it or tries to change it
During the debate competition, I will have to present my argument effectively to convince the judges and my opponent that my point of view is the most convincing.
[noun] – a strong feeling that you want something
She has a strong desire to travel the world and experience different cultures.
[adjective] – difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts
The new math problem was very complex, and it took me a long time to understand the steps needed to solve it.
[noun] – the act of thinking about something carefully
When planning a party, it is important to take into consideration the dietary restrictions of the guests, such as allergies or vegetarian preferences.
Article reading:
Advocates for climate rights argue that we have a responsibility to prioritize the well-being of future generations by ensuring they have access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment. This means making decisions that benefit both our current society and future generations. Opponents of climate rights question the practicality and enforceability of such legal rights, arguing that it’s impossible to predict the needs and desires of future generations and that granting them legal rights could harm our present society. It’s a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the advantages and disadvantages.
In conclusion, while there is no clear answer to whether future generations should have climate rights, it is crucial to think long-term and recognize the impact of our actions on our planet and future generations. We must strive to balance our present-day needs with those of the future and ensure that our decisions are based on the best interests of both present and future societies. Only by doing so can we create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Comprehension questions
- Why is the issue of climate rights becoming increasingly relevant?
- What are the arguments in favor of climate rights?
- According to the article, why is this issue complex?
- Why is it crucial to consider the impact of our actions on future generations?
- What is the ultimate goal of balancing the needs of present and future societies?
Discussion questions
- Can you think of any environmental policies that only focus on short-term gains, neglecting the impact on future generations?
- Have you ever thought about the impact of our actions on future generations? What kind of world do you want to leave behind for them?
- Do you believe that granting legal rights to future generations could be impractical and potentially harmful to present-day societies?
- What do you think are the potential benefits of legally recognizing the rights of future generations to a healthy environment? Do you think this is a feasible solution?
- What do you think are some of the main obstacles to granting legal rights to future generations? How can we overcome these obstacles?