DILEMMA: Should the city build a recycling plant in the natural area of the city?
Suggested Activity 1
Students break into groups to discuss the ethical considerations and possible solutions to this scenario. They consider the following questions and create a balance of arguments for and against. They have to give each argument a score from 0 to 3 based on how convincing they find it. At the end, they add up the scores and see which side of the dilemma carries more weight.
Points to consider:
- consider the arguments in favor of building the recycling plant. Benefits to be gained by the people and the city.
- Consider the disadvantages of this project and the benefits to the ecosystem that people will be deprived of.
- Consider how to compensate the appropriation for the construction of part of the land and its ecosystem.
- Consider how we balance the need for economic growth and job creation with the potential negative impacts of urbanization on the environment.
- What ethical considerations should be taken into account when making decisions about urbanization?
- What alternative solutions could be explored to accommodate industrial development without destroying natural habitats and biodiversity?