The resolution of the conflict between those who wish to preserve the natural environment and those who wish to exploit natural resources provides a unique opportunity to assist students in the development of critical thinking skills. There may be no greater gift you can give your students and than to open their minds to understand the viewpoints of others while giving them a solid, scientific foundation upon which to make decisions. These are not trivial questions or problems.
Environmental conflict is an increasingly important problem in many communities and regions.
Yet most high school and college students will earn their degrees with no formal educational experience in the resolution of environmental conflict. Undertaking an environmental case study most surely will challenge you as well as your students. These conflicts are by nature interdisciplinary. Ethical, political and legal issues may crop up as well. The first decision is whether to use a hypothetical or real-life conflict.