Problem 1
Identify and compare the benefits and environmental risks associated with pesticide use in one of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry.
Problem 2
Are there effective alternatives to the continued use of pesticides? Consider the roles of integrated pest management, biological controls, and other options.
Problem 3
For many common uses of pesticides, there are alternative ways of managing the targeted pest. For example, weeds in a lawn can be controlled by digging them out, rather than by using a herbicide. Pest rodents could be trapped instead of being killed with a rodenticide. What do you think should be the key considerations when deciding whether to use pesticides or alternative means of control?
Problem 4
Some people believe that the use of pesticides should be allowed only in extreme cases, for example, to save human lives or to prevent a food catastrophe. Most pesticide use, however, is more routine than this. What do you think about this issue? Should it be made more difficult for people to use pesticides? Or should farmers and other potential users have freedom to make their own choices about pesticide use?
