Mike in Finland

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Sampola discussion topic for Tuesday 4 December

These are the topics for our next class on Tuesday 4 December.

What kind of world will our children inherit?


1.         There has been a lot of discussion about nuclear energy. Do you believe that nuclear power represents the best solution for our future energy needs?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy?
What are your views on alternative energy sources?
Will we still be driving cars 50 years from now?
If so, will they use petrol as fuel?
What alternative fuels can cars use?
Do you think they are better than petrol or diesel?  Why?
Is there a real alternative to the private car?

2.         There has also been a lot of discussion about climate change. How seriously do you take the threat to our planet from climate change?
Or is it just a threat to humans and our social organisations?
If we don´t control the level of greenhouse gas emissions, what results do you envisage in 20years?               
What about in 50 years?
Have you noticed changes in summer or winter weather since you were a child?               
What about in the last 10 / 20 years?
Will there be ice at the North Pole and glaciers in the Himalayas at the end of this century?
What do you know about the recent wildfires in California?
Are they sign of climate change or is there another explanation?
What does Donald Trump say about the fires?

3.         What do you think about environmental organisations such as Greenpeace and WWF?
Have you joined, or considered joining, such organisations?
Why (not)?
Do you think these organisations have an important role to play?
Are any species of animals living in Finland in danger of extinction?

4.         How do you see the role of governments and government policy in environmental issues?
Is it possible for national governments to be effective in environmental issues?
What actions has the Finnish Government taken to protect the environment?
Have they had a real and noticeable effect?
Do we have the will to implement an effective environmental policy?
What role do multi-national corporations play in protecting the environment?

5.         What do you think will happen to the world supply of food in the next 20 or 50 years?
What about the supply of fresh and clean water?
What are your views on population growth?
Do you think it is significant that the majority of the world´s largest cities are on the coast?

6.         What are your views on multiculturalism and cultural diversity?
What are your views on the relationship between Islam and Christianity?
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