NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
March 23 • Cultural Insight
World Meteorological Day
The prophecy of the storm. This is a debate on climate prediction vs. human denial. We explore the science of the weather and why we still blame the weatherman when it rains, while ignoring the massive global shifts that are changing our seasons forever.
Speaking Discussion
- Why do we find the weather to be the safest topic for small talk with strangers? What does it say about our shared reality?
- If we could control the weather with technology (Geo-engineering), would it lead to world peace or climate wars?
- Are we desensitised to extreme weather news? Do we only care when it hits our own house?
- Is climate change a failure of science communication, or a failure of human psychology?
- If you were a storm, what kind would you be? (A sudden summer rain or a cold, predictable winter?)
Activity 1: The Disaster Planner
The Task: You are a city planner. A once-in-a-Century storm is coming in 48 hours. You have $1 million to spend on A) Evacuation, B) Building a flood wall, or C) Warning the public. Choose and defend your risk management strategy.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify: 1. 'Predicting the future is impossible, so we should live for today.' 2. 'The weatherman is the most important person in the news.' 3. 'Humanity is not prepared for the next 50 years of weather.'