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Environment Debate Topics — page 5

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.

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  1. 201.

    Environmental education, not prosecution, should solve waste problems

    For

    • environmental education does not advocate a particular new point of course of action but rather teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking and it enhances their own problem solving and decision making skills
    • environmental education does not advocate a particular newpoint of course of action but rather teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking and it enhances their own problem solving and decision making skills

    Against

    • Alright, my opponent has not posted any sort of a well-researched argument whatsoever here. He has forfeited nearly every round. My argument stands as is. I'm not sure what to do.
    • Honestly, I'm not sure what to do. I was hoping that the instigator was serious, but I guess not... Anyway, hopefully my argument was understood. I hold my position that, while environmental education is an important element in environmental protection, environmental crime…
  2. 202.

    Free-market anarchy would benefit the natural environment

    For

    • Are you inferring that legal systems can only originate from governments?, are you in fact not aware of merchant law, or private courts? Both these things are only to do with private systems. Merchant law was made in the middle ages by merchants who were interested in creating…
    • Firstly I would like to say that my original topic was that environments would be better protected from destruction then they are now. I never said that they would be completely safe from destruction, only safer than they are now. All through private laws and private systems…

    Against

    • The basic principle of the freemarket is that if the masses want a product or a service they will get it no matter who tries and stops them. if this is what free market is, then it would have both good side and bad side. it can both enrich and pollute environment in the process…
    • according to you,"If the ocean was to be divided up and be owned by many different people, pollution whilst, would be allowed to be dumped on one persons lot of ocean, could be sued if the pollution they dumped drifted onto someone elses lot of ocean." for example, if, say…
  3. 203.

    Skepticism about global warming is justified

    For

    • I hope my opponent will be able to post during the final round. Since he has challenged none of my contentions above, I will go on and post my closing arguments. === Conclusion === That opponent has produced no evidence to show that the climate change that has occured during…
    • However, he is acting grossly unprofessional and has horribly misrepresented my arguments. My Opponent: "You must introduce new arguments in each round. " This is simply not the case. If you read the vast majority of debates on this website, you will find that in most cases…

    Against

    • Thank you for answering. Please excuse me for the delay in my argument - I was rather busy lately. Due to the fact that you used the same arguments for Round 2, I assume that these are your only arguments. You must introduce new arguments in each round. Your conclusion rather…
    • I thank you for this exciting chance to debate on such an interesting topic. I will now post my arguments in a similar fashion. ========== 1) It is true that such changes have happened before, but according to studies, (http://www.global-greenhouse-warming.com...) there has…
  4. 204.

    Markets alone should not drive improvements in energy standards

    For

    • Only government is in a position to tie together the necessary legislation in terms of training, jobs and environmental standards
    • The government is better placed to consider longer term implications than companies that are legally required to maximize profit

    Against

    • It is simply not the role of government to interfere with the choices of private consumers
    • Government should be using tax breaks and grants to incentivize new areas of growth rather than legislation and regulations to destroy old ones
  5. 205.

    Developing countries should prioritize environmental protection over resource extraction

    For

    • Lame, extend.
    • C1: Negating the Resolution would Promote Violence a) resource extraction increases violence Resource extraction ultimately ends up being linked to violence; the reason they are linked is because armed violence is often connected to the foundation of resource extraction, as…

    Against

    • Since the argument is set up that their is no other possible alternative: Developing countries OUGHT NOT to prioritize environmental protection over resource extraction. Developing nations need security. Developing nations are vulnerable to attack from stronger nations and thus…
    • I would like my opponent to be familiar with the forms of Lincoln-Douglas debate, with a proper value structure. Also, the full resolution to be debated is: When in conflict, developing countries ought to prioritize environmental protection over resource extraction. PLEASE NOTE…
  6. 206.

    The Grand Inga Dam should be built

    For

    • Will enable the rebuilding of DRC
    • The dam would power Africa

    Against

    • Dams displace communities
    • Such a big project is beyond DRC's capacity
  7. 207.

    Human activity is not the main driver of climate change

    For

    • It occurs
    • UNIPCC inflated evidence

    Against

    • Science is self correcting
    • The science is open
  8. 208.

    Governments should approve major oil pipeline projects

    For

    • Yes you are posting statistical data, but data coming from the State Department, which is part of a liberal administration who clearly isn't a supporter of the Keystone Pipeline, is as bias as Republican-backed data. The documentary helped prove my argument that manufactured…
    • I live in Mobile, Alabama, a gulf coast city that was directly affected by the 2010 oil spill. I have seen the harm an oil spill can cause to an environment. However, given that oil and water cannot and will not mix, I don't see how oil could directly affect a water supply. I…

    Against

    • First, in a debate, biased facts are better than no facts at all. Second, the purpose of the Keystone XL Pipeline is to allow this oil company, which is located in the landlocked Alberta, Canada, to send its oil to a port where it can be shipped to other countries. The company,…
    • Before I start my second argument, I will argue some of my opponents points. First, I think it is great that you have an opinion about this issue, but my problem with your argument is that it contained just your opinion and no facts. If your argument did contain facts, then…
  9. 209.

    Zoos are inhumane to the animals they hold

    For

    • Hello again I said Inhuman, yes I know. Do you know what "inhuman" means? I think not. "Lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy; cruel and barbaric" "lacking qualities of sympathy, pity, warmth, compassion, or the like; cruel; brutal: an inhuman master. " "Lacking…
    • First off I feel like I should point out that inhuman has multiple meanings (both of which do have relevance to the topic, they were just used in the wrong context). 1.) Lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy; cruel and barbaric. 2.) Not human in nature or character. I…

    Against

    • Is this debate a joke to you, you didn't even make an effort to refute anything I wrote. You said: "I said Inhuman, yes I know. Do you know what "inhuman" means? I think not." When I started this debate(round 1) I immediatly said: "I'm in favor of zoo's and look forward to…
    • Since my opponent is using a fallacy to swing the debate in his favor, I feel I have no option but to make this round for refutation.[1] You said: "I may have got the word wrong as what I meant was inhumane which means: 1.) without compassion for misery or suffering; cruel. and…
  10. 210.

    The US should mandate alternative-fuel cars and light trucks by 2040

    For

    • I bet my opponent wishes that he had until 2040 to post his round. This is exactly the kind of thing we are preparing for by giving the automakers time to get prepared. This transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy is as important as the change form wood to coal and…
    • The difference between the two examples is obvious, your idea was five hundred years in the future and required us to become psychics. My idea is thirty years away and is necessary in order to reduce our dependence on foreign countries, keep the environment safe, stimulate the…

    Against

    • i'm out of time, so I advance my arguments.
    • Now, for my rebuttal. "What if scientists proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would run out of oil in thirty years and the word from the white house was, hey don't worry, by 2040 everybody will just be teleporting instead of using cars. If we allow that kind of thinking…
  11. 211.

    The US federal government should offer tax incentives for offshore wind power

    For

    • yea guys, ignore this topic, we restarted it.
    • bruh bruh bruh, the argument was just getting good :(.

    Against

    • d
    • please dont vote on tis round as agreed on by both parties. Another round will be created and debated if you woud like to vote on it when its completed
  12. 212.

    Mining causes more harm than good

    For

    • "Please read my arguments carefully" Let me do my last round But first let me expand your 15 deaths that you are saying If they do mining, there will be water contamination. First if there is water contamination, the poor people who have no money to buy purified water, there…
    • "Please Reply" If you started it please finish it Now going to my last arguments 5th- Land and River Dredging So what is dredging? -Dredging is an excavation activity or operation usually carried out at least partly underwater, in shallow seas or fresh water areas with the…

    Against

    • I feel ashamed to say that I am partly glad this is coming to an end. In any case I believe that before I give my final case there are some things I should remind the voters of once more. The first is that the burden of proof was on Proposition to show that mining is…
    • All right I would like to start by apologizing for the forfeiture. I looked at the 'time remaining' and read 8 hours where there were only 8 minutes left. Please believe me when I say I was extremely baffled when my notifications read that I had forfeited one of my debates.…
  13. 213.

    New Zealand should create more marine reserves

    For

    • Why do you keep forfeiting?
    • Why did you forfeit?

    Against

    • I accept.
  14. 214.

    Humanity should convert to vegetarianism on moral and sustainability grounds

    For

    • its obvious that the mass of civilisation is divorded from the morals of Killing. We buy our bacon, steaks,chicken breasts and mince neatly packaged from the foos store. We dont even know its animals killed inside these neat little packages, in the sense that we dont ever have…
    • hope you take me upon the challenge,

    Against

    • As my opponent has forfeited this round which is the last one, I feel it would be unfair for me to present a new argument he would be unable to reply to. I would really appreciate any feedback anyone could give me, as this was my first debate.
    • Firstly, I would like to argue that eating animals is not immoral. Humans were not meant to be vegetarian, as seen in the fact that we posses canine teeth which are meant to help us consume flesh easier. Also, there are organizations such as the American Humane Association and…
  15. 215.

    Mega-dams like Three Gorges do more harm than good

    For

    • The TGD helps limit the risk of floods in the region.
    • China is acting to reduce downstream flooding risks

    Against

    • The hydroelectric TGD should not be considered renewable due to social, environmental costs.
    • China needs greater energy efficiency not the TGD
  16. 216.

    Rachel Carson's campaign against DDT caused millions of deaths

    For

    • Bah, that approach didn't work. Its always good to try new things right? The FBI defines eco-terrorism "as the use or threatened use of violence of a criminal nature against innocent victims or property by an environmentally oriented, subnational group for…
    • There is no reasoning with this person. Ad Hominem is my last resort to knock some sense into my opponent. My opponent is an anti-vaxxer. He/she thinks germ theory is a fraud, by Louis Pasteur. Everyone knows that anti-vaxxers are inferior and all sorts of other colorful names.…

    Against

    • My opponent clearly has no idea about how to properly conduct a debate. He has ignored all my statements and carried on ranting and raving endlessly. There are many colourful and negative adjectives to describe such a person. I think I will just punch a few holes through the…
    • My opponent is getting desperate now. He has run out of logical solutions, so he must use Ad Hominem insults to win the debate. He has contradicted himself many times. One minute to loves animals and talks about cruelty to animals and that all humans should become vegetarians.…
  17. 217.

    North America should prioritize green energy

    For

    • To start: you said that going green was something that did not need to happen immediately. Well why not? The longer that we put little attention on renewable energy sources as a way to power our nations, the more we will pollute and destroy our planet. Do we have to wait until…
    • It is no secret that our world governments (including Canada and America) rely on oil for their infrastructure. Oil is still affordable by the general public and is relied on heavily. We in North America use oil, the burning of fossil fuels, and petroleum based products for so…

    Against

    • Yup
    • Debate has been restarted under: "Resolution: The United States must fully and immediately implement Green Technologies."
  18. 218.

    Global warming is a real and serious problem

    For

    • "You know what 1850 was? The end of the Little Ice Age. Its only natural that it is occurring." Temperatures after ice-ages will rise, but they do not normally rise by almost a degree in 150 years! It is an incredible rate of change (on a global scale) and points to something…
    • Haha yes that was just about sufficient! Firstly, to clear things up, i am not suggesting that the earth is warming because of the CO2 we are producing, because the amount we contribute (compared to the sea and cow's arses) is somewhat tiny. I understand that yes, there is 'a…

    Against

    • "Temperatures after ice-ages will rise, but they do not normally rise by almost a degree in 150 years! It is an incredible rate of change (on a global scale) and points to something much more servere than 'only a little temperature rise'." 1/3 of degree in 150 years actually.…
    • "Guess when 11 of the warmest 12 years since 1850 were? I understand that the earths climate changes periodically, (the UK used to be desert, and it feels like a long way from that today!). However, anyone clever enough to understand that the climate does change, should be wise…
  19. 219.

    Nuclear power is the cheapest, fastest way to cut electricity emissions

    For

    • Nuclear power is the least cost and fastest way to substantially cut GHG emissions from electricity 1Energy supply requirements The most important requirements for energy supply are: 1. Energy security (refers to the long term; it is especially relevant for extended periods of…

    Against

    • No power costs nothing and is instantly done.
    • I win vote me please
  20. 220.

    Global warming is mostly caused by human activity

    For

    • 1. Correlation CON essentially says a robust correlation does not increase the chance for causation, only the relationship. However, for this correlation to be robust is has to precede the warming (or, in others, amplify them). In this debate I have not said CO2 is the only…
    • 1. Correlation and Causation My opponent's main argument is that correlation is not equal to causation, and I totally agree. However, some degree of correlation is needed to prove causation. The more robust the correlation, the more likely some causation exists. I have provided…

    Against

    • Correlation Deception First off I did not ignore Pro's study I rebutted it with a more recent study, which was much more extensive than the study provided by Pro. This false accusation is a weak attempt to deceive the voters. Furthermore, while Pro has not claimed CO2 was the…
    • Correlation and Causation Pro claims, "The more robust the correlation, the more likely some causation exists." This is blatantly false. The stronger the correlation the stronger the relationship, but it does not prove one thing caused the other. In order to prove causation,…
  21. 221.

    Car manufacturers should stop producing fossil fuel vehicles

    For

    • My opponent has forfeited the previous two rounds so I have nothing else to add.
    • My opponent has forfeited so I have nothing further to add.

    Against

    • For my citizenship I need to find other people who agree with me about this topic. I think that more car manufactures should be trying to find alternative ways to power their cars but i would like to here your opinion on the issue.
  22. 222.

    Nuclear waste should be stored underground

    For

    • Underground nuclear waste storage is safest option
    • Nuclear energy is 0-emissions; addresses climate change threat.

    Against

    • Underground storage very expensive, adds to nuclear expense.
    • All nuclear waste storage dangerous; no good option.
  23. 223.

    Nuclear waste should be stored underground

    For

    • Storing nuclear waste underground is necessary - there are no better option available
    • Underground nuclear storage is safer than any available alternative

    Against

    • Nuclear waste can be used in other forms of power generation
    • Underground nuclear storage is excessively expensive
  24. 224.

    Owning a Hummer H2 is not justified

    For

    • God knows there are plenty of people out there. Also, this will b very difficult if I am debating someone who does not believe in global warming, but I am perfectly willing to. The quantity of large trucks that are only used to get around cities, and never see real usage in…

    Against

    • Well this was disappointing. IT appears as if my opponent has conceded, either due to time constraints or perhaps he or she was convinced by my argument. Regardless, as they have not posted in the last few rounds I take that as conceding, so I should win this debate.
    • My opponent argues that owning a certain vehicle she disapproves of is not justified. While it may not a justifiable purchase for her- there are many people in this market, for some, purchases like this are justified, some people will not find it justified.
  25. 225.

    Sustainable development should be prioritized to address climate change

    For

    • Not until the spread of the Industrial Revolution in the late nineteenth century, has man possessed the ability to adversely alter, on a global scale, the geologic and climatic cycles that have existed for millennia. Planet earth, which man calls home, is approximately 5…

    Against

    • My opponent has been a no-show, probably due to being called out for his plagiarism. And now, I leave you with a YouTube video to watch, mostly because I want to test this new debate.org feature. http://www.youtube.com...
    • Since my opponent has not questioned my argument, it stands. And now, a story: An elderly man was sitting alone on a dark path. He wasn't sure of which direction to go, and he'd forgotten both where he was traveling to...and who he was. He'd sat down for a moment to rest his…
  26. 226.

    Killer whales should not be kept in captivity

    For

    • I leave it to the voters.
    • The debate is over. I cannot allow another extension because the general structure of a debate does not allow additional points in the last round.

    Against

    • they shouldn't be kept in captivity. how are killer whales dangerous? they are more of a threat by being locked up at sea world! haven't you heard trainers at sea world have died from killer whales because the killer whales are so depressed and crazy from being locked up in…
  27. 227.

    Zoos do more good than harm for animals

    For

    • How do sanctuaries have more open space than zoos? My opponent offers no evidence to support this.
    • Still, endangered animals can be greatly saved from being completely destroyed in these zoos. They can repopulate, and harmed animals cna heal their wounds in the zoos. Not only so, zoos bring economic benefits to the government.

    Against

    • Endangered animals would be better suited to be in a sanctuary where they will have more open spaces and better environment for them to relax and get treated. Zoos will keep them cramped in a tiny space which is not what they need to get better. Animals should not be forced to…
    • When thinking about animal rights, we do not have to right to capture, breed and confine animals, even if they happen to be endangered. Animals are not meant to be confined and paraded around for the world to see. Animals kept in zoos can feel confinement and suffer from…
  28. 228.

    Motorcycles should be required to be quieter

    For

    • Most people have their radio blasting while driving or have the news on and can't hear motor cyclists. Modern cars are also so well insulated for engine and road noise that they block out motorcycle's engine sounds unless the motor cyclists is right beside the car and by then…
    • I live down town. Every summer these guys with the Harley Davidson's come rolling through and gearing down or revving up. These bikes are way louder than any car. They should be restricted to lower volume levels. Noise pollution is real. Might feel good to blast down the…

    Against

    • First of all, if you want to live in an apartment in a big city, the nit is your choice to hear motorcycles all night. And if you can hear motorcycles, then you can hear cars too. People have a right to get where they need to go. You know, you may not think about it over all of…
    • It is too often that you hear of a motorcycle accident on the highway or busy road outside a city. And why, you might ask, would motorcycles be so prone to accidents? This because they are so small. The cars around them are much larger and more protected. If motorcycles were…
  29. 229.

    PETA's activism helps save animals

    For

    • As was easily proved in this debate, Peta helps save animals. I have not needed to make the claim of them being particularly effective at actually saving animals, so long as they help. Their ads are memorable, and teach important lessons about what a few less calories can cause…
    • Extend all arguments.In order to be sporting, here's a line of reasoning Con should be able to counter...Another example of Peta's very helpful campaigns, is their interference against Seal Clubbing [4]. Basically while clubbing is good, clubbing seals is bad. Insert lots of…

    Against

    • Good Luck. Now for my argument. Last year alone Peta killed 89.4% of it's adoptable dogs and cats. They kill an average of 30 pets per week. In 2012 1,843 pets were recieved, 1,647 were killed. The others were adopted or transferred. In 2007, 2 Peta employees were caught…
  30. 230.

    Renewable energy should be prioritised over nuclear power

    For

    • It is simply unethical to invest in an industry that will leave the problems it creates to be dealt with for thousands of years into the future
    • The nuclear industry has constantly required government bailouts and has never been commercially viable in an open market

    Against

    • Renewables are mostly unproven, experimental technologies being developed on a small-scale basis that is not ready to take up the gap to move away from fossil fuels under climate change agreements
    • Nuclear power has a proven track record in France, Canada and Russia and an increasing role in new energy markets
  31. 231.

    The world should adopt a vegetarian diet

    For

    • I'll let the challenger make the first statement.
    • Yep.

    Against

    • ok
    • sure thing
  32. 232.

    The United States should set a firm CO2 emissions cut goal

    For

    • First of all, let me thank you for accepting my challenge and say that I admire your debating skills and wide knowledge of the subject of this debate. I believe that the United States should follow or do more than the Kyoto protocol, which almost every other country in the…
    • First of all, global warming is real and the evidence is everywhere. The summer arctic sea ice on the arctic ocean has been melted away to the lowest extent on record. The top eleven warmest years on record have all been in the last 13 years. The intergovernmental panel on…

    Against

    • great response! There is, however, one thing which I believe will swing this debate in my favor, and that is the quality of support. **To everyone who will be voting on this round, this paragraph will provide an overview as to why I believe I should win this round. With a topic…
    • Thank you llamallama for developing such a controversial, and important debate for us to have. I have taken the con in this case for a couple reasons which I hope to explain in depth below. Before this, however, I have some questions in regards to what you support. Firstly, how…
  33. 233.

    Population control should be part of climate policy

    For

    • Optimum population goals should satisfy 1) everybody's BASIC quality of life (clean nutritious food, clean water/air, adequate shelter) 2) Access 2 basic human rights - quality education and healthcare, varied economic opportunity, satisfactory sanitary conditions, freedom from…
    • WE ARE Smart and there are tons of great technology to help us. Fusion power, hydroponic farming, helium 3, high temp gas reactors, etc can solve a lot of the problems with climate change and limited resources BUT most/majority of those are YEARS, some decades, away from being…

    Against

    • I once again apoligize for not being able to argue this round due to continous issues with my internet provider (Cox). I want to ask that no one votes in this debate, rather when my issue is resolved I'll challenge Pro to a final argument which can be voted on.
    • I apoligize, my internet has been on and off for a couple of weeks, and down till now, which means I wasn't able to create an argument this round.I will extend my argument and I hope you will do the same.
  34. 234.

    Wolf hunting should be banned

    For

    • I am only one person but i have come here to get people to understand why the wolfs need to be protected fro so called human hunters. . People are suppose to work togather but its not happening for the wolfs. . The wolfs have family as we all do. . They mate for life they are…

    Against

    • . . We've got more rounds Pls continue on any of them you can.
    • I too have a love for wolves and I can certainly appreciate your concern for wildlife. Now I'm not sure why you refer to hunters as "so called human hunters. " It's not a phrase I'm familiar with but my impression is you meant humane hunters. So there are lots of references for…
  35. 235.

    Adaptation should be prioritised over mitigation in responding to climate change

    For

    • The necessary research alone will take time and should be a priority
    • Prioritising prevention hasn't worked

    Against

    • Adaptation is likely to hurt poorer nations
    • The focus on prevention should not be diluted
  36. 236.

    Human-caused global warming is occurring on Earth

    For

    • Got it. From this round I will refer to Carbon Dioxide as CO2.Also, my round 2 sites are incorrectly entered. Here they are in respective…
    • http://www.youtube.com...I hate it when links are broken...http://www.skepticalscience.com...If this doesn't work, click on the original link and take off the extra space at the end of the link in the URL bar. I actually quoted the wrong part of this website by mistake. I was…

    Against

    • I do appologize for this finial round. I have to forfeit here as my friend is in the hospital with Leukemia and I've been busy with him and making sure he's alright. I've already PM'd my opponent reguarding this and he'll post in the comments the verdict if its a loss of…
    • Okay thanks, it works now. That's okay, but scientifically the O has to be capitalized, because if you don't it's Cobalt2. Hence Cobalt is Co and Carbon Dioxide is CO2, so please remember to wirte it correct, thanks!Contention 1: CO2 and its effects. I deeply appologize for…
  37. 237.

    The United States should shift from fossil fuels to alternative energy

    For

    • 1) First we debated about the finite supply of fossil fuels. You argued that there were recent discoveries of new oil fields. One example being the Gulf of Mexico which contains from 4-6 bil. barrels of oil and natural gas. You continue to argue that due to such discoveries the…
    • I agree that my definition of the United States was a little too ambiguous. You are right that I am arguing on both moral and government policy grounds. As for the definition of fossil fuels, artificial coal would be considered an alternate fuel if the definition of artificial…

    Against

    • 1) "I did not argue that the world would run out of oil at the year 2057. I argued that there would be an oil depletion at the year 2057 based off of the Hubbert Peak Theory." I understand the point you think you're making here, but my original contention still holds and you…
    • I will adopt my opponents format and address his points with the appropriate numerals: 1) "As of 2004, the total world reserves were estimated to be 1.25 trillion barrels with a daily consumption of about 85 million barrels. With this we can make an estimation of when to…
  38. 238.

    Zoos do more harm than good

    For

    • I know that were is a very big difference between a zoo and a circus but there are many times that they choose specific animals to do things. When an animal is born in captivity it will never really see what its true home is like. And sometimes the animal that is brought into…
    • you can never really tell if the animal wants to be in the enclosure or not, there are many other zoos that do cause harm to the animals. when you go to a zoo you don't want to go and see all of these animals pacing back and forth. when an animal is pacing back and forth it is…

    Against

    • It is true that when an animal is born into captivity it very rarely is ever released into the wild. However, this is not because we are being cruel to them. When an animal is born in captivity its mother is also obviously in captivity. If both the mother and the baby where to…
    • It is true that we cannot actually ask the animal and see how they are doing, but like you said pacing back and forth is one of many ways we can study animals and make a pretty good guess on how that animal is doing. secondly there is a very big difference between a circus and…
  39. 239.

    Natural resources should primarily serve human needs

    For

    • Resources are for Man. Then why do you think God gave us resources? It is for the use of Man. No matter what happens,humans can use the resources as much as they want. :P

    Against

    • Don't make a debate if you're not going to follow it through until the end. At least admit you don't have any arguments or explain why you can't continue.
    • If you have no counter arguments then I can not be bothered to post extra evidence. I have nothing to counter in any sense.
  40. 240.

    Human-caused global warming is a fraud

    For

    • My opponent again has failed to prove his point, he claims that CO2 causes global warming, then shows that CO2 emmissions are increasing and so is the global temparture. He is still yet to prove that these CO2 emmissions are the cause of this temparture increases. Either way we…
    • Like I said before, you have only provenb that there is more CO2 iun the environment, not that it is heating up. I have proven that the global tempartures are dropping:http://www.newsmax.com...https://wattsupwiththat.com...You also ignored my third source.

    Against

    • Global warming is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases . 72% of the totally emitted greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide (CO2), 18% Methane and 9% Nitrous oxide (NOx). Carbon dioxide emissions therefore are the most important cause of global warming. CO2 is inevitably…
    • Your first source: loaded a 404 page. Your second source: the evidence presented here is dubious at best: "No. Some leading scientists vocally disagree with the study, which also runs contrary to the prevailing view of experts that Antarctica has been losing ice mass over the…
  41. 241.

    Aquariums do more harm than good

    For

    • Ok just to make sure you have been to one right? If so have you've gone to the zoo? Are they the same (zoos and aquariums)? And think what is the reason people trap the fish (or beautiful animal in your case). Where the people trying to purposely harm them? 1) "when even when…
    • If you know so much have you been to one?

    Against

    • First off I do not understand why this is relevant, but to answer your question. Yes, I have been to an aquarium. It was honestly inspirational. It inspired me to get all of those creature out of there. They are intelligent and beautiful creatures. Humans are too, but are we…
    • Pfft.....yeah they are soooo taken care of better in aquariums. Ok let me get my list going. It's gonna be long just FYI 1) When you go to an aquarium and you start to look and stare at the fish, you are actually pressuring and scaring them. Kids are told not to tap at fish…
  42. 242.

    The Seychelles should buy land to relocate due to climate change

    For

    • Shared sovereignty
    • Moving is an imperative

    Against

    • Could retain sovereignty without acquiring new territory
    • Other states would not want to waste resources on a refugee state
  43. 243.

    Government should intervene in the transition to alternative fuels

    For

    • another example of why private investors wouldn't invest. because it might be considered a 60 or 70% chance of becoming ht next fuel, but it's still an uncertainty that investors wouldn't want to invest in given the potential bad risks coming to fruition. so we have society…
    • 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

    • I'd like to remind Pro that the economy is not a being per se, so it can't hurt itself. The economy is the result of interactions between humans like you and me, so the ones who can hurt it are you and me. Also I'd like to point out again that electric cars are no longer a…
    • No. Yes, the market will take care of it. Currently, non-renewable sources, especially natural gas, is the cheapest form of energy according to the EPA (http://www.eia.gov...), and that won't change in the near future. Some renewable sources will catch up, but the majority will…
  44. 244.

    Humanity will never run out of oil

    For

    • Hrm well i'm not sure my burden is all that and such. I was sorta hoping for a peak oil guy or someone who was going to throw out a lot of links, data theory etc. like the guy that's clobbering me on the global warming bit. Buy you're being tricksome. Ok, so I have this burden.…
    • As quantity of oil decreases, prices increase. As prices increase, the profitablity of alternative sources of fuel increase. This means biofuels at some price point will match the price of oil. It must be noted also that even with today's technology only 40-60% of any oil in…

    Against

    • RE: Every debater has his/her own set of tricks. _________ "You're examples above have product diferrentiation. " ---"Product differentiation" is just a convenient term that my opponent uses in order to say that my example is specifying the wrong things. However, I was simply…
    • He assumes that rising prices will mean that, at some point, people will just stop buying petroleum altogether. However, just because there's a cheaper alternative doesn't mean that everybody will switch over. If "cheapness" was the main principle driving everybody, then all…
  45. 245.

    Hunting should be banned

    For

    • Accept

    Against

    • Should hunting be banned? I will start by listing some of the reasons why hunting should not be banned. C1: Hunting is beneficial for the environment. I want to start by making a claim that hunters have contributed more to the environment than any other non-hunting…
    • Title says it all, in light of the Cecil story, I am curious as to what some of your opinions are so feel free to comment in the comments section if you wish! Rules:1. Pro must argue that a total ban should be put on hunting in America, not just trophy hunting. R1 Acceptance…
  46. 246.

    Wind power should be a primary focus of future energy supply

    For

    • Wind energy provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power
    • Wind energy provides for price stability in the long-term, wind will be with us for the duration

    Against

    • The financial support required to further develop wind technology would be better deployed in more consistent processes such as geo-thermal and nuclear
    • Wind energy is unreliable and provides only an irregular source of supply – and even then only in some countries
  47. 247.

    Access to drinking water should be a human right, not a commodity

    For

    • Dang, I really wanted to debate that pragmatism case xDNow I gotta go research a bunch of Levinas xDEthics of the Other, yay!
    • Yeah, so just don't vote on this debate xD

    Against

    • I've only seen one other case like mine, so you won't have to worry that much about going against one, but it's sooooooo epic!
    • Vote for Pedro!
  48. 248.

    Hunting whales not endangered should be allowed

    For

    • If you are such a person, this debate is not for you and I politely ask you to not accept. In this debate we will be discussing whether or not whale hunting of whale species that are NOT endangered should be legal. There are people that are specifically against whale hunting,…
    • If you are such a person, this debate is not for you and I politely ask you to not accept. In this debate we will be discussing whether or not whale hunting of whale species that are NOT endangered should be legal. There are people that are specifically against whale hunting,…

    Against

    • Extend.
    • extend. Vote for Me!!!
  49. 249.

    Global warming is mostly natural and stopping it is wasteful

    For

    • Global Warming has been highly exaggerated. If you understand climate you should realize there are much more aspects to our atmosphere than CO2 caused by humans . CO2 caused by humans make up less than 4 percent of the C02 in our atmosphere yet politicians believe that we are…

    Against

    • Vote me.
    • The earth is so hot my opponent has melted to death. What a shame.
  50. 250.

    Human-caused climate change is causing honeybee decline

    For

    • In our current situation its hard to say only some species are at risk. This is impossible if you use technology and climate change as the reason for their decline. just like they cant make pesticides that target just one species of insect, what kills one kills (or damages)…
    • In regards to varroa mites and tracheal infections that is an understatement. They are a huge huge part in the decline of bees. As a beekeeper I have seen the damage first hand. But my biggest argument is that these mites and diseases are a result on our global economy. Honey…

    Against

    • My dear friend i think as you mentioned above you were against the changes in the lifestyle of humans because that is leading to bees extinction. But now you are favouring technology in some parts too. Just take care what you actually feel is the reason for the declination. My…
    • Technology , actually during 1950's we were not even aware of the machines , inventions etc. There were superstitions about most of the things which technology proved detrimental . Actually its not a single person responsible for this declining bee species its the whole world.…

How to use these debate topics

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  • 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.

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