Watch

Sentences:

1. Because our population has reached seven billion people and continues to grow, we need to expand land area available for living and growing food by cutting down the rainforest.
2. With more than 7 billion people commuting from one place to another, drilling for more oil is necessary to fuel more cars.
3. The Earth can support over 7 billion people now and will be able to support any number of human in the future.
4. In an effort to feed a population of over 7 billion, people in developed countries should reduce the amount of meat they consume.
5. Science and technology will ensure that food production and energy supplies keep up with the demands of a growing population.
6. There is nothing I can do to help alleviate population pressures.
7. Governments in countries with fast-growing populations should make laws to limit the number of children that couples can have.
8. Even though I am only one person in 7 billion, I still have a responsibility to keep the Earth healthy; what I do makes a difference.
9. Automobile makers in this country should be required by law to make all their vehicles fuel efficient, even though the vehicles may become more expensive.
10. Without reducing rapid population growth, it will be impossible to solve the world’s global challenges.

Writing/Speaking Task

In pairs, students choose one of the above statements they found most relevant. They research the arguments on both sides to decide if they would like to change their stand. Together they write a persuasive paragraph convincing the class to change their stance and agree with them.

Conduct a new vote in class to see who changed their opinion after hearing more facts.

Post their compositions on

The #REED4ThePlanet

Bulletin Board or in a Google Slides Presentation

For more teacher resources: https://www.worldof7billion.org/teacher-resources/middle-school-activities/