NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
World Rainforest Day
An annual global observance, held on 22 June, dedicated to celebrating the critical importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate stability, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities worldwide. It serves as an urgent call to action, highlighting the indispensable role these ecosystems play in regulating our planet's climate, housing half of the world's terrestrial species, and acting as essential carbon sinks. Beyond fostering appreciation for these "lungs of the Earth," the day encourages a collective, unified movement to protect and restore these fragile habitats by championing sustainable practices, supporting indigenous stewardship, and addressing the systemic drivers of deforestation.
Speaking Discussion
- Should the UN have the right to invade a country to stop a forest from being burned?
- Is it hypocritical for Western countries (who already cut down their forests) to tell poor countries not to do it?
- Why do we care more about trees than we do about the Indigenous people who live in them?
- Can carbon credits actually save a forest, or is it just greenwashing for big oil?
- If the Rainforest disappears, is climate change officially irreversible?
Activity 1: The Bio-Prospector
The Task: You work for a big pharma company. You have found a cure for cancer in a rare flower in the Amazon. If you take the flower, the forest around it will die. If you don't, millions of people will die of cancer. Pitch your ethical solution to the Indigenous council.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'A country's land is its own, and the world has no right to interfere.' 2. 'The Rainforest is a 'Global Utility', and we should pay 'Rent' to the countries that protect it.' 3. 'Technology will save us, so the loss of the forest doesn't actually matter.'