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During the 1970s and ’80s acid rain became one of the most critical and controversial environmental questions of the day. Scientists were able to identify acid rain as a serious environmental hazard with obvious causes, but the United States government, despite pressure from Canada, did not want to assume its share of responsibility for curbing the emission of industrial pollutants into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, environmental activist groups on both sides of the border campaigned vigorously to raise public attention and to lobby politicians. The two countries eventually agreed on a treaty, but it may have come too late to restore the health of many lakes and rivers. Today, environmental issues continue to be at the forefront of Canada–U.S. relations.

Students will prepare and present a report on one current environmental issue and its impact on political decision-making and activism. They should choose an issue of interest to them, that has received media attention, and that has involved political leaders, governments, and environmental activist groups, for example:

Clearcut logging in British Columbia

Coalbed methane development in Alberta

The Sydney Tar Ponds in Nova Scotia

Tainted water in Walkerton, Ontario

The power blackout of August 2003 in Ontario

Oil and natural gas pipeline development in the Northwest Territories

The depletion of the cod fishery in Newfoundland

Students will explain how their selected issue became political through the actions or inaction of governments and activist groups. Students will compare their issue to acid rain, indicating any similarities and differences in the political process leading to a resolution.

Have pairs or groups present their summaries to the class. Conduct a class discussion on the effectiveness of environmental activist groups in achieving environmental and political change.