Why do people make such a mess of the environment?
This challenge raises the following key question:
• Why do human beings make such a mess of the planet?
Learners are encouraged to practice their higher order questioning skills to raise further questions for use in discussion with peers and for possible debate.
The Characters
You will need to talk to the characters all the way through, without walking away in the middle, in order to progress.
You will come across the following people:
Woman in the Car Seat
In talking to this character, you are challenged to find an explanation of why such a beautiful world has got into such a state and whether there are any people who want to do something about it. Do people's religious beliefs make a difference to their attitudes to the environment? What are they doing? What can she do? What can you do?
Vicar (Christian)
This character believes that God created the world and gave people responsibility for it. Humans have spoilt God's creation because of their tendency to be tempted and go their own way, rather than God's way. Humans have the opportunity to put things right because God always gives people another chance.
Woman Cleaning Up Litter (Jew)
This character explains that the entire concept of the stewardship of the world is important to Jews; human beings must look after what they have and prevent damage. She covers the concept of Tikkun Olam (healing the world), which is mainly about social justice but includes care for the environment.
Man with Clipboard (Muslim)
This character explains that Muslims must exercise responsibility in managing the world and live in accordance with Allah's will. Muslims are called to live a life of submission to Allah and the way that they respond determines their destiny.
Man Loading Boxes
Man with the Spray Can
Old Fisherman
These three characters are 'distractor' characters. Talking to them will not help you to complete the challenge, but they may raise connected questions of how people respond to human mistreatment of the world, which you may want to consider.
Examples of conversations featured in Baile Fàs.
Download the 'Baile Fàs' printout
Hints and Tips
Visit the characters in the following order:
1. the woman in the car seat on the beach to find out what her question is
2. the Islamic Relief worker, the vicar and the woman picking up litter on the beach (in any order)
3. the woman in the car seat on the beach again. You need to give the woman in the car seat the correct answers to her questions in order to get the reward
4. the gatekeeper, standing by the road works.
Once you have the reward, if you complete the conversation with the gatekeeper he can let you cross the river and you can return to the main menu.
