News to Use: A Middle/High School Discussion

Read this news article (download from the bottom of this page) and use it to lead older kids in a beginning-of-class discussion. The article can be downloaded, printed, copied, and then placed on students’ desks before they arrive.

SAVING PLANET EARTH

London – The United States has put its economy before the world’s environment by refusing to sign the Kyoto treaty. The European Union is working to change the Kyoto treaty, which currently aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent in 2008. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, accounts for two-thirds of all global warming.

The United States is currently the world’s largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions. Despite efforts to get the United States on board, the U.S. rejected the treaty last year, fearing its harm to the nation’s industry. Efforts to change the Kyoto treaty this summer are going forward even if the U.S. refuses to participate.

A United Nations report recently revealed that if nothing changes, our planet will be warmer by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, overriding previous global warming predictions. That means deserts will expand, forests will die, and humans and animals will suffer the consequences. A warmer planet will mean more droughts in areas that need moisture and flooding in areas that could drown from excess water. Industries such as farming and fishing will suffer.

1. Who’s responsible for the problem of global warming? Explain.

2. Should some countries take more responsibility than others to fix the problem? Why or why not?

3. If you were part of the meetings on the Kyoto treaty, what suggestions would you make to solve the global warming problem?

4. Do you think God would want us to give up things we’ve prospered from, such as cars or technology, if they cause pollution? Why or why not?

5. Do we have a responsibility as Christians to take care of our planet? Why or why not?

6. What ways can the Armenian Church be involved in the solution for global warming?

7. How can you help tackle the problem?

Scripture:

• Prosperity: Proverbs 3:9-10; Psalm 37:1-3
• Care of the earth: Leviticus 25:1-5; Psalm 65:9-13; Psalm 104:31-32