Climate campaigns often ask individuals to reduce their carbon footprint through small lifestyle changes, like recycling or driving less. Critics argue this puts too much responsibility on individuals, when corporations and governments are responsible for most emissions. Should climate solutions focus on individual behavior, or on bigger, system-wide change?

Universal basic income (UBI) means the government gives every citizen a regular cash payment, with no conditions attached. Some countries have tested this idea. Supporters say it reduces poverty and gives people the freedom to study or start a business. Critics worry it will make people less motivated to work. What is your opinion?

PFAS — often called 'forever chemicals' — are a class of manufactured compounds used for decades in things like non-stick cookware and waterproof fabric, and they don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body. They've been linked to serious health effects, including certain cancers and immune system damage. Given how serious this is, here's the policy question I want you to consider: should chemical safety regulations like PFAS limits be set primarily at the federal level, or is a state-by-state approach better suited to actually protecting public health?

Nuclear energy produces large amounts of electricity without direct carbon emissions, making some experts see it as essential for fighting climate change. Others remain concerned about the risk of accidents and the challenge of storing radioactive waste safely. Should countries expand nuclear energy to fight climate change?

Most literature courses assign novels and poetry in translation. Some scholars argue this is the only practical way to teach world literature, since no student reads twelve languages. Others say a translated poem is a different work from the original, and teaching it as though it were the same misleads students. Should literature be taught in translation?

Several countries now tax sugary drinks, raising the shelf price by a fixed amount per liter. Supporters point to falling sales and to manufacturers quietly reformulating their products. Critics say the tax lands hardest on people with the least money, who pay more for the same drink they always bought. Should governments tax sugary drinks?

Many schools are debating whether to ban student phone use entirely during the school day, citing distraction and mental health concerns. Others argue phones are useful learning tools and that a full ban is unrealistic and unfairly restrictive. Should schools ban phones during the school day?

Some universities require students to complete a certain number of volunteer hours before graduating, arguing it builds civic responsibility. Others say mandatory volunteering defeats the purpose of volunteering altogether, since the work is no longer voluntary. Should universities require volunteer hours for graduation?

Some clinics now let doctors refer patients to community activities — a walking group, a swimming class, a shared gardening plot — alongside or instead of medication. Supporters say isolation and inactivity are genuine causes of poor health and should be treated as such. Others say this asks clinics to solve problems that are not medical. Should doctors prescribe community activities?

Some regions now require that all small electronic devices use the same charging port. Supporters say this ends the drawer of obsolete cables and cuts waste considerably. Manufacturers argue that fixing a standard in law freezes the technology at whatever was best the year the rule passed. Should governments mandate a single charging standard?

When a damaged painting reaches a conservation studio, the studio must decide how much to put back. Some argue that visible loss distracts from the work and that skilled repainting restores the artist's intention. Others hold that anything added is the conservator's hand, not the artist's, and should be avoided. How much restoration is too much?

AI tutoring programs can now explain concepts, answer questions instantly, and adjust to a student's pace in ways that make some educators excited about their potential. Others worry that relying on AI removes the human connection and mentorship that makes teaching effective. Should AI-based tutoring replace some human teaching?

Research on adolescent sleep suggests that teenagers' natural sleep cycles shift later, making early school start times a poor match for how their bodies actually function. Some districts have pushed start times later in response. Others argue this creates scheduling problems for families and after-school activities. Should high schools start later given adolescent sleep research?

Social media influencers are increasingly paid by companies to promote products in posts that can look identical to their regular, unpaid content. Some argue that clear, mandatory disclosure protects followers from being misled into thinking a paid endorsement is a genuine recommendation. Others argue this kind of regulation is unnecessary and hard to enforce online. Should influencers be legally required to clearly disclose when a post is a paid advertisement?

Before instruments like thermometers and barometers existed, how do we know anything about past climate conditions? One method researchers use is called proxy evidence — indirect physical or historical traces that stand in for a direct measurement. Tree rings, ice cores, and even old paintings can all function as proxies. For example, several 17th-century Dutch winter landscape paintings depict thick river ice and skaters on frozen canals during a period now known as the Little Ice Age — and some researchers have even studied the reddish tint in painted sunsets as a possible indicator of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. My question for you: should artwork and other non-scientific historical records be treated as legitimate evidence in climate science, or are they too subjective to trust alongside modern instrument data?

Many universities have made standardized test scores optional for admission. Supporters of this change argue that tests don't fairly measure potential, and that they put students without access to test-prep classes at a disadvantage. Others say test scores give a fair, objective way to compare a large and diverse group of applicants. What is your opinion?

Some companies have experimented with a four-day work week, paying employees the same salary for one less day of work each week. Supporters say it improves well-being without hurting productivity. Critics argue it simply isn't realistic for many industries. Should companies adopt a four-day work week?

Unpaid internships are common in many competitive industries, offering students valuable experience but no wages. Critics argue this practice favors students who can afford to work for free, while supporters say the experience alone is valuable enough to justify it. Should unpaid internships be banned?

Some scientists suggest that geoengineering—large-scale projects to control the climate, such as spraying particles into the atmosphere to block sunlight—might help reduce global warming. Others warn it could cause unpredictable damage. What is your opinion? Should governments consider geoengineering?

When people are asked about the most important discoveries or inventions made in the last two hundred years, they usually mention something very obvious, like the computer or the cell phone. But there are thousands of other discoveries or inventions that have had a huge impact on how we live today. What scientific discovery or technological invention from the last two hundred years—other than computers and cell phones—would you choose as being important? Why?

A number of restaurants have started doing away with tipping altogether, folding a full, guaranteed wage into their menu prices instead. Supporters say this makes pay fair and predictable for workers and makes the final bill honest for customers. Others argue that tipping gives servers a direct reason to work hard for each table, and that menu prices would simply rise to cover the change anyway. Should restaurants replace tipping with higher menu prices and a guaranteed wage?

College sports generate enormous revenue for many universities, yet the athletes competing in those games have traditionally received a scholarship rather than a salary. Some argue this is exploitation -- schools profit directly from a player's performance while the player earns nothing beyond tuition. Others argue that paying athletes would turn college sports into a business and drain funding from smaller, non-revenue teams. Should colleges be required to pay their athletes a salary?

Many landlords charge tenants an extra monthly fee on top of rent simply for owning a pet, separate from any refundable deposit. Supporters of the practice say pets cause real wear on a property and the fee covers that risk. Critics argue it unfairly punishes responsible pet owners for damage they never actually cause. Should landlords be allowed to charge tenants extra monthly fees for owning a pet?

Some schools require students to wear a uniform every day, while others let students choose their own clothing within general guidelines. Supporters of uniforms say they reduce distraction and social pressure around clothing. Opponents argue uniforms limit self-expression and don't actually solve the problems people credit them with fixing. Should schools require students to wear uniforms?

Video-call medical appointments became common during recent years, and many clinics now offer them as the default option for routine checkups rather than an occasional alternative. Supporters say this saves patients time and expands access for people who can't easily travel to a clinic. Critics argue a screen can't replace a doctor's hands-on examination, even for a routine visit. Should routine doctor checkups be done by video call by default, rather than in person?

A small number of companies have started installing nap pods or quiet rest rooms so employees can take a short break to recharge during the workday. Supporters say a brief rest boosts focus and productivity for the rest of the shift. Critics argue workplaces shouldn't be responsible for employees' rest and that the space would be better used for something else. Should workplaces be required to provide a space for employees to rest during the day?

Group projects are graded in different ways across courses -- some give every member of the group the same grade regardless of individual effort, while others adjust each student's grade based on their measured contribution. Supporters of a single shared grade say it reflects real teamwork. Supporters of individual adjustment say it's the only fair way to grade when effort isn't equal. Should a group project grade be based on the group's shared output, or adjusted for each student individually?

Paid parental leave is legally guaranteed in some countries but left entirely up to individual employers in others. Supporters of a legal requirement argue that new parents shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a newborn. Opponents argue the cost of a mandate falls hardest on small businesses that can least afford to absorb it. Should employers be legally required to offer paid parental leave?

Many national museums charge no admission fee at all, funded instead by government money and private donations. Supporters say free entry keeps culture available to everyone regardless of income. Others argue that a modest ticket price would pay for better exhibitions and ease the pressure on public budgets. Should museums remain free to enter?

As more books, films and newspapers move online, some city councils have begun closing branch libraries and moving their budgets to digital lending instead. Supporters of the change point to falling borrowing figures. Critics say a library is far more than the books it holds. Do physical libraries still deserve public funding?

When a city needs housing, older buildings are often the easiest sites to redevelop. Preservation rules can protect a street's character, but they also block new homes in exactly the central areas where people most want to live. Should cities protect historic buildings even when that means building fewer new homes?

Some schools have removed sugary drinks and fried food from their canteens entirely, replacing them with set healthy menus. Supporters point to rising rates of diet-related illness in children. Critics say schools should teach students to choose well rather than choosing for them. Should schools control what students are allowed to eat?

Most universities require a physical education credit to graduate, though students often treat it as a box to tick. Supporters argue that building an exercise habit during university pays off for decades afterwards. Others say adults should decide how they spend their own time. Should universities require a physical education course?

In many countries, citizens can be required to serve on a jury, sometimes for weeks, with only modest compensation. Supporters argue that ordinary people deciding cases is what keeps courts accountable to the public. Others say compulsory service is a serious burden on anyone paid by the hour. Should jury service remain compulsory?

Some towns limit how many chain stores can open on their main shopping street, hoping to protect independent shops. Supporters say local businesses keep money circulating in the area. Critics argue the rules keep prices high and leave shopfronts empty when no independent tenant can be found. Should towns limit chain stores?

Supermarkets have replaced many staffed tills with self-checkout machines. Shops point to shorter queues and lower costs, and some customers prefer scanning their own shopping. Others note that the work has not disappeared but simply moved to the customer, and that some shoppers find the machines genuinely difficult. Are self-checkouts a good development?

Many companies now allow employees to work from home. Some say this boosts productivity and work-life balance. Others believe it harms teamwork and communication. What do you think? Is remote work better for employees and companies, or are in-person offices still necessary?

Some educators believe we should replace letter grades with written feedback to reduce student stress and focus on learning. Others say grades are still the best way to measure and compare academic performance. What is your view? Should schools keep traditional grading, or switch to more personalized feedback?

Today, many people get their news from social media platforms. Some believe this makes information more accessible and diverse. Others worry it leads to misinformation and political polarization. What do you think? Is social media a good way to stay informed, or is it too risky?

Some companies use facial recognition in schools and workplaces for security and attendance tracking. Supporters say it makes places safer and more efficient. Critics argue it violates privacy and can be misused. What do you think? Should institutions adopt facial recognition technology?

Many universities are removing standardized tests like the SAT or ACT from admissions. Some believe this helps create fairer opportunities. Others argue tests are still important to measure academic ability. What is your opinion? Should universities require standardized tests?

Research consistently shows that multitasking reduces performance and increases mistakes. Yet many people continue to multitask anyway, especially with phones and other digital devices. Why do you think people keep multitasking even though the evidence is against it? Is multitasking always harmful?

A growing number of students wait one year before starting university, using the time to travel, work, or volunteer. Supporters say a gap year helps students mature and figure out their goals. Critics argue it breaks academic momentum and is only realistic for students who can afford to delay their degree. Should students take a gap year before university?

For decades, most American cities have required new apartment buildings and businesses to include a minimum number of parking spaces per unit, regardless of actual demand. Some cities have begun eliminating these parking minimums entirely, letting developers decide how much parking to build based on what tenants actually want. Supporters argue this lowers construction costs and allows more housing to be built on the same land. Critics argue it will make street parking even harder to find in already crowded neighborhoods. Should cities eliminate mandatory parking minimums?

Vertical farms grow crops indoors under LED lighting, using a small fraction of the land and water of traditional agriculture. But the electricity costs are so high that most vertical farms today only turn a profit growing high-value crops like leafy greens and herbs, not staple grains -- and several well-funded vertical farming companies have gone bankrupt in the past few years despite the technology's promise. Should governments subsidize vertical farming to help it scale toward staple crops, or is the model not ready for that kind of investment?

As autonomous vehicles become more common, courts are still working out who bears legal responsibility when a self-driving car causes an accident -- the vehicle's owner, the manufacturer, or the software developer. Some argue liability should fall on manufacturers, since they control the decision-making software. Others argue owners should remain responsible, since they choose to operate the vehicle and accept its risks. Who should bear legal responsibility when an autonomous vehicle causes an accident?

Biotech companies are now attempting to use gene editing to bring back extinct species, starting with the woolly mammoth, by inserting mammoth genes into the DNA of its closest living relative, the Asian elephant. Supporters argue the resulting animals could help restore damaged Arctic ecosystems that mammoths once shaped. Critics argue the created animals wouldn't be true mammoths at all, just modified elephants, and that the enormous cost and effort would be better spent protecting the thousands of species currently at risk of extinction right now. Should de-extinction research receive public funding?

Many cities have started enforcing stricter nighttime noise limits on traffic, construction, and nightlife venues, sometimes using noise-detecting cameras to issue automatic fines. Supporters point to World Health Organization findings linking chronic noise exposure to sleep disruption and cardiovascular risk. Critics argue enforcement is inconsistent and burdens small businesses more than larger, louder infrastructure like highways or airports. Should cities strictly enforce nighttime noise ordinances even when doing so creates hardship for local businesses?

Some countries have banned animal testing for cosmetics products entirely, requiring companies to use alternative methods like lab-grown skin models instead. Supporters argue the practice causes unnecessary animal suffering for products that aren't medically necessary. Critics argue alternative testing methods aren't yet reliable enough to guarantee product safety for all skin types and that a ban could push testing to countries with fewer protections rather than eliminating it. Should animal testing for cosmetics be banned outright?

The International Seabed Authority is finalizing rules that could allow commercial mining of polymetallic nodules -- rich in nickel, cobalt, and manganese -- from the ocean floor, particularly in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Supporters argue these metals are essential for electric vehicle batteries and that seabed mining could be less environmentally damaging overall than land-based mining. Marine scientists warn the deep sea remains largely unstudied, and disturbing it could destroy species and ecosystems before they're even documented. Should commercial deep-sea mining be allowed to proceed while so much of the affected ecosystem remains unstudied?

Some countries and states have passed "right to repair" laws requiring manufacturers to make replacement parts, tools, and repair manuals available to consumers and independent shops, not just authorized dealers. Manufacturers argue this could compromise safety and expose trade secrets. Consumer advocates argue it lowers repair costs and reduces electronic waste. Should manufacturers be legally required to make their products repairable by anyone?

Historians disagree about how much weight to give recorded interviews with people who lived through an event. Memory shifts over decades and interviewees shape their accounts for the person asking. Yet written records were also produced by particular people for particular purposes, and often leave out whole populations entirely. How should oral testimony be weighed against documents?

Hospitals increasingly restrict which antibiotics a doctor may prescribe without approval from a stewardship team. Supporters say unchecked prescribing has made once-routine drugs unreliable, and that a review step slows that down. Clinicians counter that the delay falls on patients in front of them now. Should prescribing require approval?

Trials often pay participants for their time. Larger payments recruit faster and fill studies that would otherwise stall. The concern is that a large enough payment recruits people who would not otherwise accept the risk, which raises the question of whether their consent is fully free. Should participants be paid, and how much?

Training doctors have traditionally worked very long shifts. Regulators have capped those hours in several countries, citing errors made late in a shift. Some senior clinicians argue the cap increases the number of handovers, and that information is lost every time a patient is passed to a new team. Should shift limits be tightened further?

Some governments now require that software built with public money be published openly, so that any citizen can read the code and any other agency can reuse it. Vendors argue that few agencies have the staff to maintain what they inherit, and that a published system nobody updates is worse than a supported one. Should publicly funded software be open by default?

Preimplantation genetic testing now allows parents using IVF to screen embryos for serious inherited diseases before choosing which to implant. Some argue this is a reasonable extension of parents' existing right to make choices about their children's health. Others worry it opens the door to screening for less serious traits, turning reproduction into a form of selection. Should parents be permitted to screen embryos for inherited disease risk?

Hospitals increasingly share de-identified patient data with AI companies developing diagnostic and drug-discovery tools, and current U.S. privacy law generally allows this without individual patient consent once data has been properly de-identified. Researchers have shown that supposedly anonymized medical datasets can sometimes be re-identified by cross-referencing them with other public information, like voter records or social media activity. Should hospitals be allowed to share de-identified patient data with AI companies without asking each patient's individual consent?

Lab-grown meat, produced by culturing animal cells rather than raising and slaughtering livestock, is now approved for sale in several countries. Advocates argue it could sharply cut the environmental footprint and animal welfare cost of meat production. Skeptics argue it's an unproven, heavily processed product being marketed ahead of the evidence for its actual health and environmental benefits. Should lab-grown meat be approved and promoted as a mainstream alternative to conventional meat?

Under an opt-in organ donation system, people must actively register as donors, while under an opt-out (presumed-consent) system, everyone is considered a donor unless they specifically register to decline. Supporters of opt-out systems point to increased donation rates in countries that have adopted them. Critics argue presumed consent overrides individual bodily autonomy and that low registration under opt-in systems reflects a lack of public education, not a lack of willingness. Should countries switch to opt-out organ donation systems?

A growing number of school districts are considering making a personal finance course a graduation requirement, covering topics like budgeting, credit, and taxes. Supporters argue schools already fail to prepare students for basic financial decisions they'll face as adults. Critics argue adding a mandatory course crowds out other academic requirements without solid evidence it changes students' later financial behavior. Should personal finance be a mandatory high school graduation requirement?

The number of satellites in orbit has grown rapidly, and so has the amount of debris from old rocket stages and defunct satellites. Some experts argue a single major collision could set off a chain reaction of debris, threatening the usability of low Earth orbit for decades. Others argue binding international regulation would be nearly impossible to enforce and would slow down valuable space research. Should there be binding international regulation requiring companies to clean up the debris they create?

As digital payments have become more common, some businesses have stopped accepting cash entirely. Supporters argue this speeds up transactions and reduces theft risk for business owners. Critics argue it effectively excludes people without bank accounts or reliable internet access, including many older adults and low-income residents. Should businesses be legally allowed to refuse cash payments entirely?

Some online retailers now use algorithms that track a shopper's browsing history, location, and device type to show different prices to different customers for the exact same product, a practice sometimes called surveillance pricing. Companies argue this simply reflects normal price discrimination that's always existed in different forms, like discounts for students or senior citizens. Consumer advocates argue that hidden, data-driven pricing is fundamentally different because customers have no way of knowing they're being charged more, or why. Should surveillance pricing be banned or require disclosure?

Research has linked mandatory overnight shift work to higher rates of long-term health problems, including disrupted sleep patterns and increased cardiovascular risk. Some labor advocates argue certain industries should be banned from requiring mandatory overnight shifts except in genuine emergencies. Employers argue this would be impossible for hospitals, factories, and logistics companies that depend on round-the-clock operations. Should certain industries be banned from requiring mandatory overnight shifts?

Some cities now require households to separate food scraps from regular trash, with South Korea's nationwide program -- in place since 2005 -- often cited as a model, since it pairs mandatory separation with fees based on how much food waste a household throws out. Supporters point out that food waste breaking down in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. Critics say mandatory composting is hard to enforce fairly and that contamination from non-compostable items often undermines the whole system. Should cities make household composting legally mandatory rather than voluntary?

New CRISPR gene-editing techniques let scientists modify crop DNA far more precisely and cheaply than older genetic-modification methods, producing drought-resistant wheat and disease-resistant bananas in a fraction of the time. Some countries now regulate these gene-edited crops the same as conventional genetically modified organisms, requiring years of safety review before approval. Others argue that because gene editing only alters a plant's own existing DNA rather than inserting foreign genes, it should face lighter regulation. Should gene-edited crops be regulated the same way as older genetically modified crops?

Several police departments have begun using facial recognition software to scan public camera footage and identify suspects. Supporters argue it helps solve crimes faster and can locate missing persons. Critics point to documented cases of misidentification, particularly for people with darker skin tones, and warn about mass surveillance without a warrant. Should police departments be allowed to use facial recognition technology?

Several private companies and national space agencies are now actively planning permanent human settlements on Mars within the coming decades. Supporters argue establishing a second, self-sufficient home for humanity is a worthwhile long-term investment. Critics argue the enormous cost would be far better spent addressing urgent problems here on Earth. Is investing heavily in Mars colonization a worthwhile use of resources?

In some regions, wild horse populations on public rangelands have grown well beyond what the land can sustainably support, leading to overgrazing and competition with native wildlife for scarce water and vegetation. Wildlife agencies in some areas have proposed culling as a way to bring populations back to sustainable levels quickly. Animal welfare advocates argue non-lethal methods like fertility control and adoption programs should be used instead, even if progress is slower. Should wild horse populations be managed through culling?

Social media platforms increasingly rely on automated algorithms, rather than human reviewers, to moderate content at scale. Supporters argue algorithms can enforce rules consistently and instantly across billions of posts, something human moderators can't match. Critics argue algorithms routinely misjudge context, nuance, and intent in ways that cause real harm to users who are wrongly flagged. Should platforms rely primarily on algorithmic content moderation?

Several major cities have introduced congestion pricing -- charging drivers a fee to enter certain areas during peak hours -- to reduce traffic and fund public transit. Supporters argue it meaningfully cuts congestion and pollution while raising revenue for alternatives to driving. Critics argue it unfairly burdens lower-income drivers who have no realistic alternative to their cars. Should cities adopt congestion pricing?

Communities around the world continue to debate whether monuments honoring historical figures with troubling legacies should be removed from public spaces. Some argue removal is necessary because public monuments implicitly endorse the figures they depict. Others argue removal erases historical context that should instead be preserved and explained, not hidden. Should controversial historical monuments be removed from public spaces?

Many large employers now use algorithmic tools to screen job applications before a human recruiter ever sees them, evaluating resumes and even video interviews for predicted job performance. Supporters argue this removes inconsistent, biased human judgment from the earliest stages of hiring. Critics argue these systems often reproduce and even amplify the same biases found in the historical hiring data they were trained on. Should employers rely on algorithmic tools to screen job applicants?

Microplastics have now been detected in human blood, placental tissue, and drinking water, and several countries already ban microbeads in cosmetics. But cosmetics account for only a small share of total microplastic pollution -- most comes from synthetic clothing fibers shed in washing machines and tire wear on roads, sources that are far harder to regulate. Should governments pursue broad microplastic bans even when the largest sources are difficult or costly to control?

The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism now charges importers of goods like steel and cement a fee based on the difference between their home country's carbon price and the EU's own carbon price. Supporters say this prevents companies from simply relocating production to countries with weaker climate rules. Critics, including several developing economies, argue it functions as a disguised trade barrier that penalizes countries too poor to have built an equivalent carbon-pricing system yet. Should wealthy countries impose carbon border tariffs on imports from countries without comparable carbon pricing?

Under current U.S. Copyright Office guidance, purely AI-generated images -- with no meaningful human creative input -- cannot be copyrighted, following cases like Thaler v. Perlmutter. Some argue this correctly preserves copyright's requirement of human authorship; others argue it leaves artists whose distinctive prompting and editing choices shape an image with no legal protection at all. Should copyright protection extend to AI-generated artwork when a human meaningfully directs and edits the output?

A number of cities facing aging water infrastructure have considered selling their water utilities to private companies, who promise faster repairs and modernization funded by private investment. Critics argue that private operators have historically raised rates and cut maintenance in some cities once public oversight was reduced, since water is an essential good with no real alternative. Should municipal water systems be privatized?

Several city police departments now use predictive policing software that analyzes historical crime data to forecast which blocks are most likely to see crime in the coming days, then send extra patrols there. Supporters say this makes limited police resources far more effective. Critics argue that because the training data reflects decades of uneven policing, the software just sends more patrols back to the same historically over-policed neighborhoods, reinforcing the very bias it claims to correct. Should police departments be allowed to use predictive policing software?

A handful of countries, including Australia and Belgium, legally require citizens to vote in national elections, with small fines for those who don't. Supporters argue this produces turnout rates far higher than in countries with voluntary voting, making election results more representative of the population as a whole. Critics argue that forcing people to vote doesn't make them more informed, and may actually increase the number of random or uninformed votes cast. Should voting be made legally mandatory?