YOUR CHALLENGE:

This year marks the 25th year of the Fairchild Challenge High School Environmental Debate. Over the past 25 years, thousands of students have debated what policies would best help to make Miami, Florida, the United States, and the world greener, healthier, and more sustainable. This year, we honor our tradition of debate with a NEW and more collaborative format, Model UN-style, where students represent different cities and stakeholders to negotiate and debate global policy. Using this format, students will put forward compelling arguments for a greener future, inspiring private citizens, government workers, and business leaders into action.

Debaters will act as representatives of city governments at the World Council of the United Cities and Local Governments. As representatives, you will work together to create an action plan to support cities in developing green infrastructure using plant-based design. This action plan should be written based on the real policies used in cities around the world to make them more sustainable and plant-friendly. Your action plans will be developed in collaboration with other city government representatives and should focus on novel funding methods for green infrastructure development.  As you research these topics, consider the issue from different perspectives, both for and against various ideas that balance funding, innovation, and environmental protection. Through this debate, you will sharpen your critical thinking skills by analyzing these diverse viewpoints. The debate also provides a platform to develop your confidence and public speaking skills as you present your arguments.

For more information, look towards our research guide to help you prepare for the 25th edition of the Environmental Debate.

CHALLENGE RESOURCES:

• Model World Council of the United Cities Research Guide – Coming Soon!
• How to get started with Model UN
• How to Write Resolution
• How to Write an Opening Speech