SUMMARY

A new lawsuit accuses ExxonMobil of contributing to the world’s plastic pollution. The oil and gas company is one of the largest producers of the material used to make single-use plastics. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit following a two-year investigation. He joined Amna Nawaz to discuss the case.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where is the lawsuit against ExxonMobile being filed?
2. What is plastic made from?
3. Who is harmed by ExxonMobile's plastic production, according to the lawsuit?
4. How did Exxon deceive the public about plastics, according to the lawsuit?
5. Why is California filing this lawsuit now?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

California Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that people continue to use single-use plastics because they have been deceived into thinking the products are being recycled into other useful products after use.

1. Do you think it's important to reduce plastic consumption?
2. If so, do you think better information about the limits of plastic recycling would help reduce consumption? Why or why not?
3. What strategies might better help reduce plastic waste?

Media literacy: What are some of the arguments based on data does the California Attorney General use in making his argument in this interview? How could you determine whether that data is accurate?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Have you thought about creative ways you can reduce plastic pollution or waste in your own community? Watch the video below and then discuss — what technological solutions seem most helpful in reducing plastic? What cultural or social solutions might be effective?

Teachers: See this full lesson plan that challenges students to invent new ways to address plastic waste.

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.