Chapter 27 Lecture Enrichment Ideas
Discuss how the birth of one child in the United States is more of a resource and pollution burden than the birth of one child in India.
Briefly summarize Garret Hardin's Tragedy of the Commons and open the floor for discussion. What are the implications of open immigration? Providing food to starving peoples in regions that cannot support such populations?
Examine the recent history of energy problems, such as the oil shortages of the 1970s and the problems with the status of the United States as a debtor nation as a result primarily of oil imports.
Consider the use of nuclear energy for the future and the political problems that have arisen with this source of energy.
Discuss the means that are being used to reduce overpopulation, pollution, and rainforest destruction in less developed countries, such as paying these countries to protect their environment; ask students how they would try to deal with these problems, which are a part of their future.
Early pioneers in the United States also exploited our eastern forests with slash-and-burn practices; this was part of our history and how we came to be a developed nation. There are few virgin timberlands left. Ask students if it is fair to ask other countries not to develop through the same stages.
In China, the economy is rapidly expanding and people are seeing a day-to-day improvement in their standard of living. Most ride bicycles but many will want a car. Ask students if they would be willing to conduct all their activities with a bicycle and mass transportation. If they choose a car, what are the consequences of five times more cars than in the U.S.?
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