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Year 10

Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?

I can create a reasoned argument whether environmental decisions should be decided by a referendum.

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New
New
Year 10

Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?

I can create a reasoned argument whether environmental decisions should be decided by a referendum.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Referendums allow citizens to directly vote on important environmental policies.
  2. The Irish Citizens' Assembly allowed citizens to discuss and advise on biodiversity issues.
  3. Referendums for environmental issues can be costly and time-consuming.
  4. Many environmental topics are complex and may require expert knowledge that the general public might not have.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use videos or extracts from real citizens’ assemblies or referendum debates to make the lesson more relatable. Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly has publicly available clips that show youth engagement and informed discussion.
Teacher tip

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are the two houses in the UK Parliament called?
Correct answer: Commons and Lords
Courts and Lords
Lords and Ministers
Commons and Ministers
Q2.
The House of Commons and the House of Lords both take part in committees.
Correct Answer: select
Q3.
Why is it important that select committees involve citizens?
so Parliament does not need to vote on laws
to make government decisions secret
to replace MPs with citizens
Correct answer: to help shape better policies through public input and scrutiny
Q4.
Match the way citizens can get involved in select committees to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:written evidence,a written explanation or summary that supports a particular viewpoint

a written explanation or summary that supports a particular viewpoint

Correct Answer:supporting statement,a formal document sent to a committee to express views

a formal document sent to a committee to express views

Correct Answer:oral testimony,speaking directly to the committee during a public hearing

speaking directly to the committee during a public hearing

Q5.
Do select committees only want evidence from experts?
Yes, only experts like scientists or doctors can provide valuable evidence.
Correct answer: No, they want a variety of evidence from experts, citizens and charities.
Yes, only public figures and campaigners are needed to give evidence.
No, only politicians can provide the necessary evidence for select committees.
Q6.
Do select committees have the power to implement changes in government policies?
Yes, they can directly create and enforce new policies.
Correct answer: No, they can only investigate and make recommendations.
Yes, they can make laws without Parliament’s approval.
No, they only act as a form of protest without affecting government decisions.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words with the correct definitions.
Correct Answer:referendum,a public vote on a specific issue

a public vote on a specific issue

Correct Answer:citizens' assembly,a group of citizens who discuss and advise on specific issues

a group of citizens who discuss and advise on specific issues

Correct Answer:environmental decisions,a choice or action that has an impact on the environment

a choice or action that has an impact on the environment

Q2.
In the UK, environmental decisions are made by representatives and can be influenced by international agreements.
Correct Answer: elected
Q3.
Which of the following is a reason why referendums on environmental issues may not always be effective?
they are fast and cheap
everyone always agrees
Correct answer: they may require expert knowledge
they always create laws
Q4.
What is one benefit of using a citizens’ assembly to make environmental decisions?
It only includes politicians.
Correct answer: It allows informed discussion and expert input.
It always results in a referendum.
It avoids including public opinion.
Q5.
In 2022, in Ireland, a citizens’ assembly was held that included children and young people aged 7–17 to give their views on loss.
Correct Answer: biodiversity
Q6.
can help raise public awareness of environmental issues by involving everyone in a national vote on a specific policy.
Correct Answer: Referendums