February 27 • Cultural Insight

International Polar Bear Day

The melting throne. This is a debate on symbolic conservation. We explore why the Polar Bear has become the CEO of climate change and whether our focus on cute animals makes us ignore the deeper, more boring scientific solutions for our planet.

Speaking Discussion

Why do we care more about polar bears than endangered insects? Is cuteness a factor in our survival choices?
Is eco-Guilt (feeling bad about the planet) a useful motivation or just a way to make us feel depressed and helpless?
Should we spend billions to save a species that might be doomed by nature anyway?
If you could talk to a polar bear for 5 minutes, what would you apologise for?
Is the arctic a place of infinite beauty or a warning sign for the rest of the world?

Activity 1: The Conservation Consultant

The Task: You have $1 million to save the planet. You must choose between: A) Saving 100 Polar Bears, or B) Saving 10,000 ugly Bees. Write 3 sentences justifying your choice.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is beauty a valid reason for protection?

Key Vocabulary

Conservation (N) Prevention of wasteful use of a resource; also, preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife.
Marine (Adj) Relating to or found in the sea.
Mammal (N) A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young.
Symbolic (Adj) Serving as a symbol.
Endangered (Adj) (Of a species) at serious risk of extinction.

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To skate on thin ice."

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