Introduction to the CX Debate Oceans Topic: Time to Dive In
By Noah Recker, La Vernia High School | Tuesday, September 09, 2014 10:35 AM
Author: Noah Recker, Debate coach at La Vernia High School and UIL representative to the NFHS National CX Debate Topic Selection Committee who authored the study report over Oceans. Noah’s paper developed into the resolution which debaters throughout the nation will be debating during the 2014-2015 school year: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the Earth's oceans.
When asked to write for the National CX Debate Topic Selection Committee, I had some nervous trepidation. It felt like a huge weight had been put on my shoulders. I knew what I wanted in a topic and I hoped that my topic paper could convey those wants and needs. Across the state, I continuously heard coaches complain about the changing nature of CX debate and how it is getting tougher and tougher to recruit high school students into the event. It was time to create some waves with my topic paper, and I eventually settled on oceans. The breadth of the topic can help novices explore their imaginations with topic ideas and senior debaters can really dive into a wide range of research opportunities.
As coaches, we need a place to start. With what seems like 20,000 leagues (I mean affirmative ideas), it might be a bit challenging to figure out where to start. I would suggest that everyone start with the most basic of basics, the National Ocean Council’s Ocean Policy Implementation Plan. This is where I started on my authorship journey two years ago. The plan can easily be found on the site whitehouse.gov. The great thing about the plan is that it identifies a large number of goals, but there is little policy put in place. Students can take program ideas and expand them into workable policies. Several different affirmative ideas follow.
Some affirmatives might anchor their ideas to marine planning. This topic is rich with possible affirmative ideas. Wave energy seems to be the hot topic. I anticipate that many affirmative teams will rest on this new energy source. The idea of wave energy seems to resonate with both the federal government and the local communities that the energy will impact. Another option for renewable energy is offshore wind farms. The farms are located in the water off the coast and are a viable option for development since there is a steady wind source. Another affirmative branching off of marine planning is the idea of the protection of fishing resources.
While cruising through affirmative ideas, many potential ideas fell under the umbrella of coastal communities. Almost 40 percent of the U.S. population is located near coastlines. Protecting the economies of these coastal communities is essential. Just under half of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) has some connection to oceans. One of the most serious threats to the economies of coastal communities is hurricanes as witnessed with Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Some might be blown away with new research and development of cooling platforms. Cooling platforms are being developed to force cool water from the depths of the ocean to the surface. This in turn creates another form of energy and can be used to cool water in the path of storms to weaken them. There are also efforts to restore the wetlands in several states.
Both recreational and commercial fishing that have also taken hits recently are attempting to stay afloat. Marine tourism is a two million dollar industry and has been severely affected by oil slicks and spills. Most students will have a basic knowledge of the BP oil spill and its impacts on the Gulf of Mexico. Cleanup efforts can be an easy affirmative to put together. Increases in ocean acidity have also affected the development of the shellfish industry. With increased ocean acidity levels, it becomes harder and harder for shellfish to solidify their shells. Connected to fishing industries is the topic of ports and shipping. Sea level rise has given rise to difficulties in shipping channels and planning. New charts will have to be developed. Additionally, new shipping lanes in the Arctic are being developed. In speaking with debate coaches across the country at the selection meeting, I anticipate that shipping in the Arctic will be one of the hot topics that will be ripe for debate.
While the Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is certainly not the end all be all for research materials, I do believe it is the best place to start your journey. If you have any questions as you dive into the oceans topic, please feel free to email me at noah.recker@lvschools.net. I may not have the answer but I might be able to steer you in a direction to discover that answer. Your research now will determine your ability to sink or swim this school year. Puns intended.