March 22nd · Cultural Insight
World Water Day
The blue gold war. This is a debate on privatisation vs. human right. We explore the terrifying reality that while the earth is 70% water, only 1% is drinkable. Should water be free for everyone, or is pricing the only way to stop us from wasting it?
SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
Speaking Discussion
- Should it be illegal for companies (like Nestlé) to bottle and sell water from public springs?
- If water wars happen in the next 50 years, which countries will be the most powerful? Is water the new oil?
- Should we have a water meter on every shower that automatically turns off after 5 minutes?
- Is desalination (making sea water drinkable) the ultimate solution, or a dangerous energy trap?
- If you could only use 10 litres of water per day for one week, what is the one luxury you would keep?
Activity 1: The Water Governor
The Task: You have a limited water supply. You must choose between: A) A local farm that feeds the city, or B) A factory that employs 5,000 people. You cannot have both. Negotiate the economic survival of your city.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Meat consumption is a crime against water resources.' 2. 'Water should be more expensive than gasoline to ensure we value it.' 3. 'Access to clean water is the only true measure of a successful country.'