B1 – Intermediate
Population explosion can have an impact on how much our natural resources continue to decrease. Many countries have intensified family planning campaigns. Some even restricted the number of children each family could have to address excessive population growth. In the 1960s and 1970s, Denmark had a rather disturbing approach to their population concerns that only came to light recently.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the injustice brought unto young female Greenlandic Inuits in the past.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/greenland-women-want-justice-from-denmark-level-2/
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define the word “indigenous“. “143 indigenous women in Greenland are suing Denmark.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “implant” mean? “They say that doctors implanted them with intrauterine devices without their permission in the 1960s and 1970s.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the expression “to violate one’s rights” mean in this context? “They claim that Danish authorities violated their rights because they wanted to control the growing population.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the Greenland’s birth control scandal about? Share your thoughts on this issue.
- Should Denmark compensate these women? Express your opinion.
- Aside from this injustice, what other controversial actions in Greenland do you know of?
- In your opinion, how can growing population be effectively addressed without resorting to human rights violation?
- Does your country have a problem with overpopulation or declining population?
- What is your government doing to mitigate the effects of this situation?