Watch the film "The Disappearing Male" here: https://vimeo.com/34176018
Here is the full description of the film:
The Disappearing Male: Environmental Threats to Human Reproduction (43:00)
The last few decades have seen a dramatic increase in cases of low sperm count, sperm abnormalities, and testicular cancer-while, in more than 20 industrialized nations, the male birth rate has steadily declined. This program examines the phenomenon and its likely cause: synthetic chemicals found in everything from common plastics to meat and dairy products. Investigating these so-called "hormone mimicking" or "endocrine disrupting" chemicals, the film shows how they may be starting to damage the most basic building blocks of human development. Expert commentary comes from Dr. Shanna Swan, director of the University of Rochester's Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, and many other respected researchers. (42 minutes)
Once you have watched the film, answer the following questions. Your assignment should be between 1000 and 1200 words.
1. Why do scientists think there has been a decline in the male birth rate since the 1970s?
2. How does this relate to the types of pollution seen in the Great Lakes basin and the pathways of pollution into the environment?
3. What do you think can be done to slow down, or reverse this trend?
4. Are you hopeful for the future fertility of the human species after seeing this film?