Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Environmental Issues” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Climate Change
1. What is climate change?
2. How do human activities contribute to climate change?
3. What are some effects of climate change you have noticed?
4. How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
5. Why is it important to talk about climate change?

II. Pollution
6. What are the different types of pollution?
7. How does pollution affect our health?
8. Can you name three ways to reduce air pollution?
9. What is the impact of plastic pollution on oceans?
10. How can we prevent water pollution in our communities?

III. Recycling and Waste Management
11. What is recycling?
12. Why is recycling important for the environment?
13. What materials can you recycle?
14. How does recycling save energy?
15. What is composting and how does it help the environment?

IV. Wildlife and Biodiversity
16. What is biodiversity?
17. Why is protecting wildlife important?
18. Can you name an endangered species?
19. How does deforestation affect animals?
20. What can we do to protect natural habitats?

V. Energy
21. What are renewable sources of energy?
22. Why is it important to use renewable energy?
23. How does using fossil fuels harm the environment?
24. What is solar power and how does it work?
25. Can you think of any disadvantages of using renewable energy?

VI. Water Conservation
26. Why is it important to save water?
27. What are some ways to conserve water at home?
28. How does drought affect the environment?
29. What is the role of trees in water conservation?
30. How can we protect our rivers and lakes?

VII. Sustainable Living
31. What does it mean to live sustainably?
32. How can you reduce waste in your daily life?
33. Why is it important to buy local products?
34. What is a carbon footprint?
35. How can we make our homes more energy-efficient?

VIII. Environmental Policies and Laws
36. What is an environmental policy?
37. Why do governments create laws to protect the environment?
38. Can you name an international environmental agreement?
39. How can individuals influence environmental policies?
40. What happens if companies do not follow environmental laws?

IX. Natural Disasters
41. What is a natural disaster?
42. How can climate change lead to more natural disasters?
43. What can we do to prepare for natural disasters?
44. How do natural disasters affect wildlife?
45. Can we prevent natural disasters?

X. Environmental Education
46. Why is environmental education important?
47. How can schools teach students about environmental issues?
48. What is something new you have learned about the environment?
49. How can we encourage others to care about the environment?
50. What role do zoos and aquariums play in environmental education?

XI. Green Technology
51. What is green technology?
52. Can you name a green technology invention?
53. How does green technology help the environment?
54. What are the challenges of developing green technology?
55. How can green technology change our future?

XII. Environmental Activism
56. Who is a famous environmental activist you know?
57. How can someone become an environmental activist?
58. What impact can environmental activism have?
59. How do social media influence environmental activism?
60. What is one environmental issue you would like to see addressed?