Environment Debate Topics — page 2
625 debate topics, all ages. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.
- 51.
Shark populations should be culled to protect swimmers
For
- Slaughter sharks? I argue no way. Perhaps too many Jaws movies? Sharks are part of nature's cycle. They are an integral part of the food chain. Remove the sharks and you will end up with too many seals. Too many seals and now you have problems with the fish habitat. We don't…
Against
- last round guys!
- you quit?
- 52.
CO2 emissions are directly responsible for climate change
For
- Before I make my points, I would like to address the mistaken Negative. I do know that the topic is "CO2 is the largest factor in global warming", and that is what I am arguing. I'm sorry if that wasn't made clear in my evidence, but if you look back you will find that I…
- Thank you for the chance to debate this topic. I am an avid believer that climate change is mainly man made, at least now. Your first point was how even though data shows a correlation between CO2 emissions and temperature, carbon emission is not the largest factor. But…
Against
- The Macquarie Dictionary defines the term "climate change" as- a significant change in the usual climatic conditions especially that thought to be caused by global warming. This 'climate change' can be caused by natural or human induced impacts. The global average temperature…
- To conclude my case I would like to point out the obvious flaws in the opposition's previous case. They stated: "Before I make my points, I would like to address the mistaken Negative. I do know that the topic is "CO2 is the largest factor in global warming", and that is what I…
- 53.
Global environmental issues should be the top priority
For
- Global warming has been a growing problem over the decade, and with our destruction of forests, use of factories and pollution has undoubtedly contributed to it. As my opponent has stated, it will be his burden to prove that there are other priorities other than the…
Against
- Unfortunately my opponent wasn't able to post their rebuttal.
- The pro is arguing that the most important issue currently facing the world is related to its environment. I will be giving several examples of important world issues. If I can prove that at least one of these examples is more important than the world environment I have…
- 54.
Global warming is primarily caused by humans
For
- 1. Humans forcing climate change?My opponent has no correlation or scientific evidence, here is a graph: We see a direct correlation, and this means CO2 likely has an impact.Is it the sun? As I have now proven no natural (the sun) changes are occuring. Also as tempertures rise…
- My opponents first points are observations which we agree on, now to the fun part. 1. Past climate cycles My opponents argunment is cycles change in the past: it is natural now. Climate changes based on the forces that cause it, the current forcing is humans. Our climate is…
Against
- "Climate changes based on the forces that cause it, the current forcing is humans."-My opponent -answer:no. Climate change is both natural and human. It can in no way,shape, or form be just humans because the Earth has natural cycles, which is what both Global warming and…
- Interesting: Now I am going to start with the "meats and potatoes" of the debate! Global Warming does exist: -The earth has cycles and those cycles have been changing consistently during periods of history and then dramatically during other periods(like ice ages, which have…
- 55.
Wind turbines are a good source of energy
For
- corny get real I refer wind eaters as in the human body the wind turbines turn the wind into energy. Now to sum up my arguments. Firstly they are useful and efficient for the world and secondly they are Eco friendly. Thank for listening and I hope I have convinced you that Wind…
- Firstly I assume you mean wind turbine and a whole lot of space. I would like to address three issues made in tsmit611's argument. A wind TURBINE may be tall but the width is about the size of a semi mature tree. As with no wind these giants are strategically placed where the…
Against
- So your saying I shouldn't say corny but your really making this a pun war must every thing be a joke to you if not be seriously but really no how ugly they really are as well a plane could see it from a mile away.
- I really don`t see how you will win as your jokes are corny as well as your argument because all your sources are from other websites there is no way figuring this out your self did you read my argument you also said giant wind eaters what are they eating our air. I guess the…
- 56.
Environmental protection should take priority over economic growth
For
- First off, Fossil fuel is a finite resource. Although renewable energy is not perfect, It is a lot better and is being improved constantly. So, Fossil fuels are only better as of now. First, And I like to bring this up, Humans a species of animal, But are more valuable than any…
- First off, Let me give you an example. The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard is a species of lizard found in Texas, And the small reptile has been the spark of controversy for conservationists and conservatives. Now, It seems to be at a relative stand-still, With the plan being rewritten.…
Against
- Rebut: My adversary has not made any strong stand with an example or neither did he rebut my argument. He states that fossil fuels are better as of now, Contradicting his own argument and tends to support the con side. Also, He stated the mass amount of energy is required…
- Thanks again to my adversary for this debate. Structure: Importance of energy fossil fuel over clean energy human lives over animal lives Argument: In the dawn of rapid globalization, Energy has made its significant spot in the modern world. All we know is that our world…
- 57.
The US government should greatly increase exploration of Earth's oceans
For
- Good morning ladies, gentleman, and honorable judge. My name is Forever 23 and I will be presenting the First Affirmative case for today"s debate. As the resolve states, the United States Federal government should substantially increase its development and/or exploration, in a…
- Good morning, ladies, gentlemen, fellow debater, and honorable judges. My name is Forever 23 and I will be presenting the second affirmative for todays debate. before we begin the second affirmative, I would like to clarify several things that have come up previously. As I have…
Against
- At the end of this relatively short debate, here are three reasons why you sign the neg ballot:1) They have conceded they are untopical It was previously established that the over-arching resolution was the following: "Resolved: The United States Federal Government should…
- I'll post citations in the commentsGreetings, judges. This is the negative's first constructive, and the base reasons for why you vote negative on this debate.First, TopicalityIt was previously established that the resolution of this debate would be "Resolved: The United States…
- 58.
Preventing species extinction should be a global priority
For
- "The extinction of species is part of the nature, so there is no point for human to make efforts to protect endagered speicies." Oh yeah ? So why not extend this concept further and include weak humans too ? I mean we should be killing off humans that have disabilities, after…
- Ok, then allow me to convince you of what you say you already know, which is that we should strive to protect all species from extinction. You argue: "'The 'balance' of nature is a myth, everything changes, natural selection is inevitable. We can try to save species, but in the…
Against
- "As many life forms are harmful to human well-being, it is downright silly to say we should preserve the world's biodiversity. We want to exterminate Aids viruses, bacteria that cause tuberculosis, malaria plasmodia that kill millions of children annually, and countless other…
- The extinction of species is part of the nature, so there is no point for human to make efforts to protect endagered speicies. "-since the whole idea behind the natural process is to kill off the weak to allow the strong to survive." 'No species on earth would put the interest…
- 59.
Global warming does not justify urgent action
For
- Alrighty then. My argument still stands. And, it looks like I still need 100 characters to post this. Alright, I look forward to your rebuttal.
- Alright. I think, from seeing your argument, this debate will come down to if this is really a threat to worry about. I'm going to start with your statement about the Medieval Climate Optimum. I admit, I was a bit unspecific when I stated that. What I meant to say was, the last…
Against
- Believer, Your thesis seems to be "there are many reasons why global climate change should not be so quickly acted against." Let me begin by picking apart the basis of your argument, this would be the statement you made concerning the Little Climate Optimum. You have stated,…
- 60.
Jobs should take priority over environmental protection
For
- I win
- I win.
Against
- A lot of people argue that we need to cut down forest to build companies or houses so our economy can grow, I disagree.
- 61.
Killer whales should be exterminated
For
- Now Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to The Pro. I feel like Pro has presented a stronger side for a few reasons. Con has given us only one reason why Killer Whales are good, he has only given us one reason why they are positive for their environment (That they decompose and…
- Sorry for the wait deary. Killer Whales are an enormous burden on their environment Killer whales, ladies and Gentlemen, only take-take-take when it comes to their eco system. Being top carnivores they do not sustain any other animal by acting as food (unless you count the…
Against
- Dear Pro, The Resolution is about exterminating killer whales, not that killer whales are good. Now lets look at your arguments, 1) Killer whales offer nothing to the environment This has been negated since killer whales, along with all other top-of-the-food-chain animals, die…
- 1) Killer whales and their role in the environment. Killer whales are at the top of the food chain, but even the Pro beings up the fact that once those whales die that decomposers digest the whales, recycle the nutrients and organic substances back into the environment, and…
- 62.
Human CO2 emissions are driving climate change
For
- Dear audience, please excuse my opponent for his outrageous conduct. During this round, if anyone has been manipulated by the fiendish approach my opponent has set, I will set them straight in this round.REBUTTALS "My opponent claims any correlation is harmful, but this…
- Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome once again to our debate! I deeply apologize (as said in the comments section of this debate) for posting my opening arguments when Mr. Adams clearly said that first round is for acceptance. I hope the audience doesn't vote against…
Against
- Correlations As we can see, my opponent is playing a semantics game in attempt to salvage his defeated case. When looking at the facts, though, we see his semantic attempt is laughable. For example, in debate the resolution is like the constitution, a law of the land, correct?…
- Correlations My opponent claims any correlation is harmful, but this actually still concedes the point. If CO2 was the main driver of climate, which is what we are debating, then it stands to reason a correlation between CO2 and temperature would be strong. If it was a large…
- 63.
The United States should significantly expand nuclear energy use
For
- Onto my points. 1. As I've shown, nuclear energy is able to get more 'bang for our buck' in an environmental sense, in that it is able to create a substantial energy output, at a very low environmental impact. The potential for a serious nuclear waste leak, while always…
- Okay so, I'm gonna run my PF case, since I didn't get to today on the actual tournament. Nuclear Energy needs to be substantially increased in the United States of America, heres why. 1.Relatively environmentally friendly 2.Economically Sound 3.Safe 1.Nuclear Power plants are…
Against
- My opponent has resolved that the USA should significantly increase its use of nuclear energy. To support his resolution he has claimed that nuclear energy is relatively environmentally friendly, economically sound and safe. In have presented a rebuttal of my opponent's…
- I regret that my opponent is disappointed with my debating style. However, should he wish for a different style debate, it might have been useful for him to stipulate so in his opening post and I would have been more than happy to oblige. There are many things I am but mind…
- 64.
Oil should not be used for electricity or transportation fuel
For
- === CONTENTION 1: OTHER USES ===The article ' Oil is too Precious to be Used as Transportation Fuel,' [1] states: 'An oil executive once observed that burning oil for energy is like burning Picassos for heat. Oil is extraordinarily valuable as the basis for so many products we…
- This debate is about whether or not oil should be used for electricity or as a transportation fuel. My thesis shall be: 'Oil should not be used for electricity production [1] or as a transportation fuel [2].' My opponent's thesis shall be: 'Oil should be used for electricity…
Against
- [x] I have read the debate introduction and agree to its contents.
- 65.
We need not make major lifestyle changes to stop global warming
For
- He is a strong debater, but his case is based off of my lack of detail. His arguments can be summarized as follows: 1. my quotes don't prove that global warming isn't man made. 2. the fact that other factors contribute to global warming doesn't mean that humans don't contribute…
- Sorry, you didn't get to choose. I meant to say I will prove one or the other. If you disprove one, I will prove the other. The global warming issue affects us in the following ways: 1. Because livestock exhale a more potent greenhouse gas than cars, and thus cause more global…
Against
- Re: Contention 1- "a) humans are not responsible for global warming" "For the last decade, temperatures have been climbing while greenhouse gas levels climbed. Some scientists would look at the graph and automatically assume that the rising greenhouse gas levels were causing…
- Contention 1: Those opinions you quoted do not prove that global warming is not man made, and do not even contradict the assertion that its man made. Just because the Earth is warming for other reasons doesn't mean that human activities aren't warming the Earth. Contention 2:…
- 66.
Developed countries have a moral duty to address climate change
For
- Devoloped countries have a moral obligation to lessen the effects of climate change
Against
- Because pro has forfeited both times I urge for con vote.
- Despite forfeiting in the last round I will assume that you will post in the final round. A developed country does not have the moral obligation to mitigate the effects of climate change (assuming this is natural climate change instead of human induced climate change.) for two…
- 67.
Governments should act immediately on global warming
For
- I believe we should have non-renewable resources, but we need to promote other sources of energy. Global Warming is not really a political issue as much as it is an issue of Morals
- We live in a world where this issue is a growing issue. There is one side that says we have to do something about this and another that says it does not exist. I have no issues with who ever contends. Enjoy
Against
- well my first claim really doesnt mean it doesnt exist just saying it to say it. but my second claim i think says it doesnt exist. people like al gore say that the north pole would be ice free in 5 years and 5 years later there is more there now then there was then. global…
- i dont believe in global warming because its freezing 99 percent of the time where i live. luckily i love the cold. plus the north pole has 60 percent more ice then it did 1 year ago.
- 68.
Cheap flights do more harm than good
For
- Aviation takes money away from public services
- CO2 poisening to the earth, making twice as more CO2.
Against
- Save time, money. New Opportunities.
- Unemployment levels would rise even further
- 69.
Japan should stop commercial whaling
For
- I would like to begin by pointing out that my opponent offers no arguments of his own in favor of whaling, meaning he has no offense in this debate. We should weigh this round using a utilitarian framework, meaning that we should endorse the policy that does the greatest good…
- 1. It's illegal The International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling in 1986. However, Japan's government-sponsored Institute for Cetacean Research, under the guise of "scientific research," kills approximately "1,000 whales in the Arctic annually." [1] The Japanese…
Against
- I hope this will be a great debate. ~~~~~~~ Rebuttals ~~~~~~~ /// 1. It's illegal /// This contention implies that an actions state of legality should determine whether or not it ought take place. Ultimately it is a hollow contention because the resolution of the debate is…
- I accept the challenge and await my opponent's arguments.
- 70.
Illinois should impose tougher vehicle emission laws
For
- I guess she ended up not having a response...
- So you just want to roll over and die? There is really nothing else I can say.
Against
- Not just that but do we as citizens take the government seriously no none of us do we just pass on by and if u stand up and try to convince amnericans that we need to do something 90% wont listen and thats the thing we spend time and time trying to make things better but its…
- Everytime you turn around are state or countries are making foolish laws to cover up the deception of our leaders, I am not saying that making stricter laws are foolish but im saying why should we make tougher emmision laws when us Americans dont even follow the simple laws…
- 71.
The US government should flood Death Valley with seawater to help save the planet
For
- Regarding my opponent's environmental concerns, while no study has been conducted on the ecological impact of flooding Death Valley, some 100 miles to the West of the site, the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1936 created a vast inland lake containing 9,123,839,000,000…
- Death Valley is a huge graben, which is the geological term for a sunken fragment of the Earth's crust. It covers 200-square-miles and is surrounded by mountains. Death Valley is virtually parched of water because it receives less than 2 inches of rain per year, all of which…
Against
- I had never thought this much about the subject before! Now on to rebuttals: ". .. the Hoover Dam in 1936 created a vast inland lake . .. with no ill-effects on the environment. " "The changes in water flow and use caused by Hoover Dam's construction and operation have had a…
- I'll begin by thanking my opponent for this opportunity to debate. I also generally concede his facts and figures as posted (except for a bit of quibble about the Greenland melting figure), as well as state that Man v. Food is fun to watch! Now, on to the substance and…
- 72.
The US should build more mineral accretion coral reefs
For
- Every single objection brought up in the last round was fundementally logically deficent, pushed hypocritical terms, limited the round educationally made an inumerable amount of hasty generalizaitons among other logical fallacies and debased this entire debate. Instead of…
- Let's try and begin here:Fairness Cons claim 1.) The "entire point of [policy debate] is to evaluate the Affirmative team plan" 2.) It is absolutely against the rules to ever change or amend a plan in a policy round 3.) Pro has changed or amended the plan by changing the price…
Against
- 1. Pro has never claimed that this is policy debate (From the Government agency rebuttal) 1.) The plan will be carried out through Normal Means, Just as Every Single Policy Debate Plan Is. Policy: a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures…
- The cons argument will flow as follows: Cost State protection Trade ___________ Case offense answers Hurts biodiversity Cost The pro's claim that the demand by con to protect their case rather than amend it during a debate is invalid. As this is a policy debate, the entire…
- 73.
Chicken manure should be a major alternative energy source
For
- RESOLUTION: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States. Observation 1: Significance and Harms A.Arsenic pollutes water Virginia Tech, Shreiber 2005 (Virginia Tech-Madeline Shreiber, Associate professor…
Against
- My opponent drops everything in his last speech. I don't know how she expects to win this :P Flow through my Topicalities. Flow through my Kritik ---And add on top of that an alternative (I guess I need one of those): ALTERNATIVE: Give all potential spending of the affirmative…
- Thanks and good luck! OBSERVATION 1: TOPICALITIES =================== I: Energy-"Any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation." A. Standards- 1) Affirmative must increase ENERGY (incentives) that is a source of usable power. 2) Affirmative must…
- 74.
Logging is good for Australia
For
- You win
- That Thouseds of jobs will be lost
Against
- Umm... extend my arguments I guess, and this won't look well for his class if it really is for an educational purpose. My opponent's only real claim is that we will lose thousands of jobs if we shut down the logging industry. However, I'm not proposing that we screw over the…
- Sure, I recently ran out of most of my debates so I need to pick up some new ones. My negative constructive is based around the fact that if logging is continued in Australia, the cockatoo and numbats will go extinct[1]. It will also drive to the extinction of the Leadbeater's…
- 75.
Global warming is killing people
For
- I would say global warming is a hoax, created by left wing liberals (redundant, I know), in order to control the masses. Have you noticed how the phrase, "global warming" is no longer used, since most of the U.S. is experiencing "record" cold weather? Now it's "climate change".…
- Droughts have been occurring since even before we began recording history. They're unfortunate, but natural disasters are a fact of life. It is very dangerous however, to want to blame every natural disaster, and the deaths that result from said disasters, on the activities of…
Against
- yes, i agree that it IS a climate change. but then, doesn't this climate change seems to bother you? it's not just people who it is killing. also animals. can't you see the difference? it's just a little something in the begining. but it could get worst.
- global warming is killing people.. what can you say about it?
- 76.
Conservation efforts for giant pandas should end
For
- You are correct I probably should have worded it better, I meant that we don't kill them ourselves instead we slowly but not instantly cut off the support and donations to pandas and divert it to more important endangered animals/plants like plankton and endangered fungi. If we…
- Rules for the debate. * Try to support your argument with a bibliography and good grammar * Try to avoid cursing and insulting * This is nothing personal so try not to take offence Thank you for accepting my challenge. We should cut of most but not all support for pandas.
Against
- So why are other animals more important than pandas? And also, pandas could be hunted when their population is a good range, so we could make fur banners and things.And besides, what's China supposed to do when Pandas do go extinct? Have a now extinct animal as a mascot? I'm…
- Hopefully I don't run away this time! But your statement and the resolution are contradictory. The title says 'let them go extinct', but you don't want all support to run out?
- 77.
Human beings have a responsibility to preserve biodiversity on Earth
For
- I am Back Belle and I don't think you should take that note as a forfeit. 1.The number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. 2.The variability among living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and between species and within and…
- sorry apponent but i must be going. i look forward to debating you again belle, look me up.-Mr.PresadentWalker @yahoo.com.
Against
- I'll take that as a forfeit. As Pro, my opponent held the burden of proof in this debate. Consider the assertion negated due to lack of effort on his part. Extremely anticlimactic for my second debate if I do say so myself...
- While my opponent has provided an interesting history lesson in regard to the term "biodiversity" I fail to see how copy-pasting more of the wikipedia article I cited furthers this debate at all. I also wonder whether my opponent understands what side he is taking, since his…
- 78.
The United States should fund alternative energy research
For
- "We all agree on the need for alternative energy. You claim private sector is better. You state: 1. Competing companies will yield better results 2. Govt. can can funding if company is bad 3. Large Gap in Technology 3. We both agree that we lack technology. We agree that we…
- "This solution still stands on the con side because it counters pros method to the topic." Don't worry, I completely agree with the eligibility of your stance as Con. First, to address the comment by "the instigators opening statement seems unclear as to if the government…
Against
- 1. TECHNOLOGY And the private sector has more technology? NASA has a lot of technology in solar energy. A lot more than the private sector. NASA could develop technology. But added to that, you ignored my argument that NASA could share technology and the private sector can't.…
- This debate has been condensed into a few individual arguments 1. Current Technology 2. Risk 3. Funding Now both 2 and 3 really fall into number 1. My opponent's arguments is this NASA lacks technology NASA takes more funding NASA has more risk My arguments so far have been…
- 79.
Veganism harms the environment
For
- Cause they eat more plants than normal humans, therefore they harm the environment more. In fact, the chicken eats up plants and gives co2, eating it should be environment friendly, but that topic is for another time.
- Concession (white flag up)
Against
- Observation 1: DefinitionsVegan: not eating or using animal products.Vegitarian: not eating meat.Harm: physical injury, especially that which is deliberately inflicted.Environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.Observation…
- Rebuttals:1) If everyone become vegan all of a sudden, then 10 billion chickens will freely roam over the planet and eat all the plants up...First off, it seems that Pro thinks I am arguing that we should all go vegan. To be clear, I am aruging that vegans do not create a…
- 80.
Keeping animals in zoos is ethically justifiable
For
- extend
- My opponent had conceded in the comments.
Against
- These days people tend to forget that animals have feelings. Animals at zoos have to deal with people staring at them every single day, kids making faces and making fun of them. If that happened to you now, you would try to stand up for yourself. These animals cant because they…
- Animal, what are animals? They are anything that lives and moves incuding us! How would we feel like if we were stuck in cages, taken from our homes and families to be put in a cage? If we were made fun of everyday, we wouldnt fell good. So why on earth do we have to do it to…
- 81.
Human activity is the primary cause of global warming
For
- Ok...good luck! Just to let you know, you have the easy side, so this will be a challenge for me!
Against
- A pitty my opponent forfeited the roundextend my arguments
- I see that this is your first debate so I welcome you. You say I have the easy side in which case I hope you enjoy a challenge. My basic arguments are as follows One thing that proponents of man made global warming rarely mention is the medieval warm period which was warmer…
- 82.
Protecting the environment matters more than economic development
For
- Hello! Thank you for accepting the debate. As the government"s side, I would first like to give the definitions and parameters. Environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. Economy: the wealth and resources of a country or…
- Hi! there are 4 rounds of this debate.
Against
- Case & Rebuttals:1.Health for People all over the world2.The need to save resources for the future- Both Pro's contentions have to do with the fact that developing the Economy at the expense of preserving the Environment leads to bad consequences, which I don't particularly…
- - Pro has forfeited his 3rd Round. I'll wait for him to conclude before I submit my case. Good luck.
- 83.
Global warming poses an existential threat to humanity
For
- First off, let me start off by saying sorry for not having my round two. This was going to be a three round debate but I accidentally clicked on four. Let's start with the topic at hand, Global Warming. Global Warming, as we know it, is killing planet Earth. For you who do not…
Against
- I accept. Please state your case. I look forwards to debating this interesting topic.
- Opponent forfeited, please vote as opponent does not deserve a draw! Thank you!
- 84.
The federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives
For
- P1 The National Nuclear Security Administration to construct the federal government"s largest wind farm at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. The wind farm"s five turbines will generate annual energy savings on average of $2.8 million and will supply more than 60 percent of…
- P1 However, this argument is irrelevant because traditional nuclear reactors is danger to our environment . Without the shift to IFR technology, those traditional reactors will continue to generate waste which will be stored in Yucca Mountain. P2 We, as a country, have lost a…
Against
- P1: Wind is unpredictable. In order to generate power, a large amount of is need to support wind turbine. When winds strength is too low, the wind energy will not be working. http://www.conserve-energy-future.com... P2: Wind power is not efficient. The wind turbine only extract…
- P1. nuclear power is dangerous. In terms of fatalities, nuclear power ranks higher than oil, coal, ad natural gas system. P2: In 2013, a nuclear meltdown in Fukushima, Japan, caused a radioactive disaster that not only impact Japan but the rest of world. One area of the Pacific…
- 85.
The Three Gorges Dam was worth its environmental cost
For
- The Three Gorges Dam prevents the Yangtze River from flooding, which has crippled and decimated China time and time again in the past. The dam literally saves millions of peoples lives, and at the same time it provides a crap load of clean and renewable energy to a rapidly…
- sh**
Against
- The Chinese Government shouldn't have put the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. Yeah, it generates a lot of power, but hundreds of ancient temples and villages were washed away. Families that had lived there for thousands of years were forced to leave their homes and way…
- The dam is putting millions of lives in much worse danger then without the dam, because the dam is in an earthquake zone. If an earthquake strikes, the dam will crumble and billions of gallons of water that is currently being held back by the dam will destroy the entire section…
- 86.
Global warming is a bigger issue than world peace
For
- Sorry for my long delay, I have been busy Argument: While it is true that currently the climb of global warming is slow, just wait for the "point of no return." Haven't heard of it? There are multiple website talking about it, so go search it up. Anyway, the point of no return…
- First, this is my first time debating, so apologizes for some mistakes Argument: Hunger you say? That's going to be hard to fix if all the plants are shriveling and dying because of the over-livable heat! Many websites say that if global warming was stopped, it would help world…
Against
- Alright. First things first (I'm the realest..gosh that song's old), if we were to ensure the cooperation of our world organization, then we could accomplish so much more! Our world is run on money and competition. Greed is embodied into our human nature. However, if we were to…
- First off, Pro states that plants would be shriveling and dying because of the greater temperature. I'd like to point out that while that is a sobering possibility, it wouldn't be happening anywhere in the near future. According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric…
- 87.
Human-caused global warming is a hoax
For
- Well I see youre only 14 so I will be nicer that usual- now you dont REALLY make 150K per year do you? : ) lets look at your statements #1 I strongly disagree with the pro's argument. Al Gore has absolutely no reason to lie about this. The pro states that he does this to…
- This is a no brainer Al Gore and many others are pushing this latest scare tactic to force and agenda - this agenda is to curtail fossil fuel use and encourage renewables Now, I am in the solar business, so these fools who buy this garbage are good for business, no doubt…
Against
- Umm... I don't think al gore jetting around GIVES HIM MOREY. Last time I checked, you have to PAY aka LOSE MONEY to fly in an airplane. And any money (if their is any) that comes with Nobel prizes must be used to further the cause that they specialize in. OK so maybe An…
- I strongly disagree with the pro's argument. Al Gore has absolutely no reason to lie about this. The pro states that he does this to curtail fossil fuel usage. YES. That is the entire point. But is this evil??? Not at all. And it doesn't benefit him personally at all. He and…
- 88.
The international ban on commercial whaling should be lifted
For
- Thanks for the convincing responses lets jump into the weighing mechanism. First off my opponent seems to have completely misinterpreted my argument here; 1. If we speak for everyone minorities will not have the overwhelming voice they need; the indigenous minority is important…
- Thank you for giving me a great first debate, let's get into the weighing mechanism debate. Let's break this down, we aren't saying it is bad to speak for everyone, but when it comes to the MMPA the Indigenous voice is particularly useful, because they are the group that is…
Against
- Thank you for your arguments as well, you've proved yourself a good debater and has made this challenging. 1. My argument for the weighing mechanism is we consider and address all groups' problems equally. You seem to think I come at this from a utilitarian standpoint, but I am…
- You're welcome. "Not only that but my opponent drops the fact that if we speak for everyone we drown out the voices of minorities" You seem to be ignoring the fact that I have spoken for the Natives just as much as you have with the CP. Also by speaking for everyone we are not…
- 89.
Global warming has an anthropogenic cause
For
- Well then GG
- dude I really really hat e being a dck about this, but I think Ihave to forfeit this round.Really sorry.I am not forfeiting the deabte though.You can get the conduct point for the debate :P?I hope you can understand this.Again Really sorry. I have to leave for family reasons…
Against
- Again, I do sincerly apologize. I know that there were extreme circumstances beyond your control. Your grandfather is more important than debating. Even though you have to be eliminated from the tournament, I will ask voters to vote tie. Please vote tie.
- As much as I believe you, the rules cannot be excused. I asked Microsuck, the tournament moderator, about this situation, and he contacted Airmax, the DDO president and organizer of the tournaments, and this was his reply, "While I'm sympathetic to Nerdy we can't make…
- 90.
The American government should take an active role in stopping climate change
For
- Of all contemporary political issues, there is one clear issue that stands out from all of the rest. It stands out because, unlike all other issues, it affects every single person in the world, and every single person who ever will live on this planet. Climate change is a huge…
- "I then further read under the category of "What's Not Certain" the EPA states it is not certain about "Determining the relative contribution to climate change of human activities and natural causes."" But in the section about what they do know, they say that they know that…
Against
- I know it is an issue he and I are both very passionate about, though on opposing sides and I look forward to a wonderful debate with lots of information over the next three rounds. Before I get into my opening statement I need to already correct a statement made by my…
- There has been wonderful information and opinion shared by both sides and it has been enjoyable. That said, in all three of the rounds, I fail to see a direct connection between humans and global warming proven by my opponent. Without a direct connection, and surely without a…
- 91.
The exploitation of the Arctic region should cease
For
- A treaty similar to the Antarctic Treaty would prevent competition
- The Arctic should be saved for future generations
Against
- Creating jobs and opportunities
- Relieving areas of conflict such as the Middle East
- 92.
All 50 states should adopt a green retrofit initiative
For
- These are my rebuttals.R1: Saves MoneyTo point out that an argument may be flawed is to compare it to actual evidence. However, like in other areas in this debate, Con has compared apples and oranges again! His study is referring to a deep-energy retrofit, which goes far beyond…
- I ask my opponent to wait until Saturday to post his arguments, as I will not be able to access the internet from Thursday until then. -----Rebuttals----- R1: Stability "Guaranteeing banks get repaid for loans they give out threatens the integrity of the banking system and…
Against
- Sorry, I have to make my conclusion a little short. We're moving out of my house today and I don't have very much time or internet capacity.In Conclusion- Green energy is risky.- My opponent argued for more debt and debt for people already in debt because he thinks it is a…
- I am now going to respond to my opponent's original arguments and proceed to defend my own arguments next round. R1. Saves MoneyTo create the savings Pro is alluding to you would have to go through what is known as a "deep-energy retrofit" meaning you retrofit every aspect of…
- 93.
The government should intervene in the transition to alternative fuels
For
- you really didn't even address the substance of my argument: ie, that intervening would be economically benefical compared to doing nothing. only tangentally barely did you touch on it... all you did was show an example of where intervening is bad, ie with the gov subsidies to…
- why the government should intervene more with alternative fuel. people say the market will take care of itself. in the end, it will. but at what cost in the mean time? we should act now because we'll look back and see how much we've wasted on gasoline. companies say they can…
Against
- You don't grasp the problems with socialist calculation. It is impossible. All government intervention is inevitably counterproductive. You agree that government should remove subsidies from the oil companies. Do you also agree it should remove its anti-capitalist extended…
- You agree that "the market" will take care of our energy problems "in the end," but question "but at what cost in the mean time?" The fact is that it is current government intervention that prevents the development of affordable alternative-energy sources right now. Oil,…
- 94.
Helium balloons and blimps should be banned
For
- I am not suggesting that countries need to have communist or dictatorship regimes in order to take an active interest in conserving non-renewable resources. All developed countries, regardless of their political structure, already have laws addressing protection, conservation,…
- Helium balloons, blimps, and other frivolous uses of helium should be banned / legally outlawed. Helium gas is so light that much of it escapes earth's atmosphere completely and goes off into outer space impossible to recover. Helium is not a renewable resource and cannot be…
Against
- That was a very impressive speech! I thank you for this good opportunity to test my skills, and I hope the voting process (as I have never voted before) is fair.I will first rebut a few points made by my opponent. First off I was not insinuating that a country must be communist…
- Hello, my name is minddrag and it is very nice to meet you. I look forward to a good and challenging debate against you, on this topic. First off, I would like to point out that many countries in the world are not communist, nor are they run by a dictatorship. This means that…
- 95.
Human activity did not cause global warming
For
- Yes, this is a debate. You are just the wrong person to debate this topic with. I was wanting to debate with someone who went against my theory. Not someone who tried to correct me.
- Global warming is a natural phase of the Earth. Back in the Ice Age, the Earth melted the ice on its own. All of these scientists out there in this world are saying that humans caused global warming and we are all going to die some day because of it. so are they saying that…
Against
- but you are confusing me...you agree that global warming is being sped up due to human actvity but you don't think that it is only because of human activity...which is called the global warming theory...so why would you say you disagree with it when you agree with it?
- it is acknowledged by the global warming theory that man is accelerating the process of the warming of the earth and that it is not ONLY due to human activity so pretty much, by what you are saying in your statement, you agree with the global warming theory so is this a debate?
- 96.
Nuclear energy should be expanded
For
- Nuclear energy; an inherently unsustainable power or the perfect form of energy? The question in itself and it's nature is subjective, but nuclear energy definitely comes with a plethora of benefits. Firstly, I would like to define several terms:ENERGY: power derived from the…
- RESOLUTION: This house believes that nuclear energy is the best source of energyGood luck and have fun Marie. Because you said anything.
Against
- I accept. (No knowledge of this subject, but should be interesting). Best wishes!
- Thanks for the debate Krit! :)But sorry it probably did not turn out as you expected. Ha! Maybe we could find something we actually do disagree on that I am familiar with and debate on it. Not now though, gots to much going on. Bye! :)
- 97.
Eating meat is harmful to the planet
For
- Eating Meat Is harmful To The Planet Eating meat is harmful to the environment. In order to save our environment and feed a growing population we need to switch our diets to become vegetarian. We eat twice as much meat as we did thirty years ago and this needs to stop. Nearly…
- Again I would like to say thank you to Con for that brilliant argument. Response: In Con's argument he states that by just eating a cheeseburger it will not harm the environment. However a cheeseburger cannot exist without an intelligent life form creating it. Now how does the…
Against
- My argument was the only one which clearly related to "Eating Meat is Harmful to the Planet".
- Great news, everybody! The glitch has been fixed! Anyways, for this round, I will summarize my argument, as well as Pro's argument, and what he must show when his round 5 argument comes. Con's case: The resolution is "Eating meat harms the planet". This is false, because A) Not…
- 98.
Human activity is a significant cause of global warming
For
- Since many parts of our debate are really about the same topic, I will combine them and will therefore only be responding to a few of my opponent's statements. =========== Source Credibility =========== RealClimate Yes, RealClimate is a blog. However, it is not just any blog.…
- Note: [x, y] indicates source y from round x. For instance, [1, 4] is aaas.org. "the affirmation must prove that humans are the main cause of GW." My burden, as I stated in round 2, is only to prove that the human effect on GW is significant: important in effect or meaning.…
Against
- I will first refute my opponents' last points, and then demonstrate why the negation should win this round. "However, it is not just any blog. It is written and maintained by ten publishing climatologists [1], and is therefore more credible than the word of a single…
- I will begin by addressing the issue with the statistics and numbers and then move on to the rest of the case. "I don't know where this number came from; probably from my opponent's discreditable source. According to [3, 1], human CO2 accounts for about 3% to 8% of the…
- 99.
Human activity significantly contributes to global warming
For
- Seeing that you have a rich source of information I can easily rebut the case. To address you examples that humans are different than dinosaurs. Not to mention the fact that during the dinosaurs time there was just 1 continent. So to end this debate my case has won because I…
- Just for clarification when I say human activity I mean the activity to the addition of climate change, as you could see by the evidence I used. What level of change contributes to climate change would be the rising temperatures. Since that humans release so much C02 and…
Against
- Thank you for your quick response. Your position was human activity is an addition to increased Global Warming/ Climate Change. My position was that human activity is an addition to climate change just like other species. You can say human activity contributed more global…
- Thank you for your reminder that I have not given a single evidence that goes against your case. To fight against a popular belief, the odds have been against me from the beginning. You have certainly won if this was a popularity contest. What I want to say in my previous…
- 100.
Reforestation is an effective solution to global warming
For
- Reforestation can immediately reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases
- Reforestation is a cost-effective solution to global warming
Against
- Reforestation less cost-effective than reducing emissions
- Reforestation can result in release of greenhouse gas Methane
How to use these debate topics
- Vote, discuss, revote. Poll the room on the motion, give 5 minutes of discussion, then vote again and look at who changed their mind.
- Four corners. Label corners strongly agree → strongly disagree; people move, then each corner makes its best case.
- Switch sides. Halfway through, everyone argues the side they disagree with. It sharpens listening.
Run them live
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