Starter task: Imagine if the government had decided to place one of the following in a site a few miles from your house, consider how you would feel?
> Rubbish incinerator > Nuclear power station > Homeless shelter > Drug and alcohol rehab unit > New motorway > Refugee camp Stretch & Challenge: If you wouldn't be keen on any or all of the above being located near your home, where do you think they should be located? |
Lesson 4 - Not in my backyard? |
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Key term: NIMBY (an acronym for the phrase "Not In My Backyard"), or Nimby, is a pejorative characterization of opposition by residents to a proposal for a new development because it is close to them, often with the connotation that such residents believe that the developments are needed in society but should be further away
When asked most people say we should look after the environment, but when decisions affect them personally, they are not nearly so keen.
There are many stakeholders in environmental decisions and everyone's point of view needs to be taken into account. The decision-makers then have to decide which points of view have the greatest weight. |
Class debate
Please watch the video opposite in preparation for a class debate. Following the video your teacher will divide the class into two groups, each group will be given five minutes to come up with arguments for a given side of the debate. You will then be given the opportunity to put your argument to the decision maker (i.e. your teacher) and argue points with the opposing group. Stretch & Challenge: Can you come up with alternatives that would keep both sides happy? |
Class vote: Following the debate, have a class vote giving your personal opinion. Did you agree with the decision makers choice?
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