Environmental Debate

Developing tomorrow's leaders

PEA’s Environmental Debate Program develops young environmental leaders with the skills, knowledge, and passion to become change-makers in the community. Each year, students debate a topic that addresses a key environmental issue of our time, including solutions to the impending climate crisis.

Debate is a fun and powerful way for students to develop critical thinking skills, question the status quo, and deepen understanding of key environmental topics.  Studies have shown the benefits and advantages of high school debate for nearly every type of student from every cultural and socioeconomic background – high school debate students graduate at higher rates, score better on ACT and SAT tests, get into better colleges, and perform better once in college. 

PEA’s Debate Program recruits students to form their own debate teams in local high schools, giving students the opportunity to engage in competitive, academic debate on leading environmental issues. PEA partners with Wake Forest’s debate team to engage with student and teacher participants, and provide skills-training workshops, information packets, and research materials to any interested high school student in the Piedmont region. The culmination of the program is the annual one-day tournament, where students debate both sides of a controversial environmental topic. 

High school teachers are invited to serve as advisors to student teams, and $100 mini grants are available to teacher advisors that bring 3 or more teams to participate. No experience is required for students or teachers, and PEA will work with you throughout the process to provide materials and assistance as needed.

Sign up as a coach or student today

For more information on this year's tournament: please explore our Environmental Debate Guide or contact annie@peanc.org

   Program in partnership with Wake Debate