Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
As you may or may not know one of the more controversial topics in the world today is
global warming.
Some people believe that global warming is a serious threat to our society,
economically, socially, politically, and action must be taken immediately to try to
alleviate it's effects.
These are the extreme viewpoints. There are many who believe somewhere in
the middle when it comes to global warming issues (such as, it's happening, but
it is not a threat, or it can lead to minor problems, so let's find a way to adjust),
and equally many who simply do not have an opinion.
This week, part one of the Global Warming Debate, we will present the facts about
global warming, the basic arguments presented by both sides, and the political climate
with regards to global warming. You will be responsible for interpreting various
viewpoints on an issue, and formulating your own opinion based on the facts, and the
quality of the reasoning. It is perfectly possible for two people to look at the same facts,
and hear the same arguments, and come to different conclusions about what needs to be
done.
Some believe that climates will change significantly as a result of global warming. Look
at a few examples in the Midwest, according to this link, Wisconsin summers in 2095
will be the equivalent of Arkansas summer now. This could lead to adverse conditions
for certain species of plants and animals, disrupting the food supply, or in other cases,
increase the length of the growing season, adding to the food supply. Many also believe
that global warming will lead to more disease being spread from the tropics, sea level
rise as a result of melting polar ice caps, more hurricanes, and fires. See early warning
signs.
Feedback Loops
There are many theories on Global Warming, some of which involve the ideas of
feedback loops.
Ice and Snow As the earth warms, the levels of ice and snow decrease, this
decreases the surface albedo, allowing for an increase in absorbed solar radiation
at Earth's surface. This leads to more warming and less ice and snow cover.
Water Vapor As the earth warms, so does the atmosphere, this increases the
amount of water vapor the atmosphere can hold. Warmer temperatures mean
more evaporation, leading to a higher amount of water vapor, the most powerful
greenhouse gas in existence, and consequentially even higher temperatures.
2. Aerosols may or may not counteract global warming. Some studies have shown
aerosols to block out a significant amount of incoming solar radiation, others
have not.
3. The ocean circulation may change leading to varying effects in different parts of
the world. Although "The Day After Tomorrow" is not a plausible scenario, many
scientists believe that although the earth will warm as a whole, some regions,
especially western Europe, may cool as a result of weaker ocean circulation.
These effects make global warming scenarios very different.
Political Landscape
The political landscape is generally focused on whether or not action, such as the Kyoto
Protocol, is necessary. The Kyoto protocol was signed in 1997, by almost all
industrialized countries. It sets targets on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The
key countries that did not sign are Australia and the United States of America. The key
developing nations not involved in the KP are China and India. The main argument
against the KP is that it will cost too much economically.
Facts on the Kyoto Protocol
What about the United States?
The climate change activities currently underway at Federal agencies are a result of U.S.
commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in 1992
by the Bush Administration and ratified that year by the Senate. The Framework
Convention entered into force in 1994.
Facts on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
The debate mainly pits environmentalists against economists.