Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?
I can create a reasoned argument whether environmental decisions should be decided by a referendum.
- Year 10
Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?
I can create a reasoned argument whether environmental decisions should be decided by a referendum.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Referendums allow citizens to directly vote on important environmental policies.
- The Irish Citizens' Assembly allowed citizens to discuss and advise on biodiversity issues.
- Referendums for environmental issues can be costly and time-consuming.
- Many environmental topics are complex and may require expert knowledge that the general public might not have.
- In the UK, elected representatives make environmental laws and follow global agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Keywords
Referendum - a general vote by the electorate on a single political issue which has been referred to them for a direct decision; it is a form of direct democracy
Citizens' assembly - a group of people who are brought together to learn about, discuss and make recommendations on a specific issue, such as climate change
Common misconception
The UK does not have to follow international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement because they are not UK laws.
While international agreements like the Paris Agreement are not UK laws, the UK chooses to follow them and often updates its national laws, like setting a net-zero target, to meet the promises made globally.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the two houses in the UK Parliament called?
Q2.The House of Commons and the House of Lords both take part in committees.
Q3.Why is it important that select committees involve citizens?
Q4.Match the way citizens can get involved in select committees to the correct definition.
Q5.Do select committees only want evidence from experts?
Q6.Do select committees have the power to implement changes in government policies?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words with the correct definitions.
