Despite its fossil and nutrient-poor soils, Australia relies on exports of primary produce and minerals to sustain a way of life that is comfortable and affluent for a majority of its people; yet this is achieved at a horrendous cost in environmental damage and destruction of fragile ecosystems. About 70 percent of Australia is unfit for any form of agriculture, and much of it can only be used for de-pasturing limited numbers of sheep or cattle. Australia's very prosperity puts at risk the long-term sustainability of its current way of life, and soil degradation and salinity are making rapid inroads into the country's capacity to provide the agricultural exports that underwrite the affluent lifestyle of its people.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding the impact of resource development and an export-based economy on the environment and people of Australia. Use what you have learned to debate whether the benefits of resource development and an export-based economy outweigh the costs to the environment and society. To prepare for the debate, you will research different industries and government responses that have influenced this issue.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Dales Gorge lookout, Western Australia. Photo by Jennifer Macklin.

• How would you describe this landscape?
• What resources might this region hold?
• What might be the challenges to make a living off of this land?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research the costs and benefits of economic development and resource exploitation in Australia.

Use the 2-Column Chart to organize your information. Label your columns with the headings Benefits and Costs. Use row headings such as mining industry, wool industry, wheat farming, other natural resources.

Choose a spokesperson to give the opening statement that presents the main ideas of your group’s point of view. Each group will have 5 minutes to respond to opening statements. Each member of the group must participate in the response portion of the debate. Choose another spokesperson to summarize your group’s arguments in a closing statement.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did you organize your information clearly and systematically?
• Did you present arguments to support your opinions?
• Did you provide facts and examples to support your arguments?
• Did you actively participate in your group’s oral presentation and rebuttals?