Vocabulary:
- devastating /DEV-uh-stey-ting/
- implication /im-pli-KEY-shuhn/
- inherit /in-HER-it/
- enforce /en-FAWRS/
- ongoing /ON-goh-ing/
[adjective] – causing a lot of damage or destruction
The earthquake was devastating for the small town, destroying homes and leaving many families homeless.
[noun] – an occasion when you seem to suggest something without saying it directly
The implication of not studying for your exams is that you might fail them and have to retake the course.
[verb] – to receive money, a house, etc. from someone after they have died
When her grandfather passed away, she inherited his antique clock, which had been in the family for generations.
[verb] – to make people obey a law, or to make a particular situation happen or be accepted
The police officers were instructed to enforce the speed limit on the highway in order to reduce the number of accidents caused by reckless driving.
[adjective] – continuing to exist or develop, or happening at the present moment
The ongoing construction of the new shopping center has caused traffic delays and inconvenience for the local residents.
Article reading:
Those in favor of climate rights argue that it is the responsibility of the current generation to ensure that future generations have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. They believe that this can only be achieved by legally recognizing the rights of future generations and making decisions based on their long-term well-being. Supporters also point out that many current environmental policies only focus on short-term gains, neglecting the impact on future generations. Opponents of climate rights argue that it is not possible to predict the needs and desires of future generations. They also argue that granting legal rights to future generations could be impractical and potentially harmful to present-day societies. Critics argue that these rights would be difficult to enforce and could lead to economic and social instability.
In conclusion, the debate on whether future generations should have climate rights is ongoing, and it is likely to continue for many years to come. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is important to consider the long-term impact of our actions on the planet and on future generations.
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?
Summarization
Describe:
- generation
- controversial
- policy
- predict
- debate