This article was written by David Applegate in May of 2001. This reading starts off talking about former President Bush and how he reversed a campaign pledge to regulate power-plant emissions of carbon dioxide and also made a statement that he would not take any action "that will harm our economy and hurt the American workers." My first thought was what good is our economy and our workers if we don't have a stable environment to survive in? This reading also stated that global warming is a problem and the public is realizing it but Bush needed to take action by enforcing a clear climate policy.
No Regrets
It has been known for some time now that carbon dioxide levels are rising and we are starting to link these levels with our warming climate. No Regrets strategies are policies focused on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases without the having to wait for extensive scientific research on climate change and an agreement on what it causing it.
Resilient Today, Adaptable Tomorrow
This section suggested that some geologists argue that hurricanes and natural disasters will occur more often and become more deadly with or without global warming. Wealthier people see the coast lines as the optimal place to live with its warmth and beauty, these people in some ways are just putting themselves in harm's way. I found this section to be interesting because it brings up points questioning the impact of human lifestyles on global warming. It is stated that the Antarctic ice sheet has been melting for thousands of years which would suggest that it is not all human related. For me I find this debate on whether global warming is happening or not to be silly. Who cares if its not? If its not happening and we take precautions and reduce our impact on the earth what do we lose? If we don't take any precautions and keep living the way the majority of us are living what is going to happen? What are we going to lose?
A Modest Proposal
David Applegate suggests that the President should consider a strategy that helps our society more resilient to natural hazards and policies for addressing climate change. Basically, we need to make progress and start moving in the "right" direction. Its better to be safe than sorry
Opposing Views
I found something interesting on the Douglass Report website, it was called The Truth about Global Warming. It calls the idea of global warming a "cash cow." Dr. Douglass is stating that global warming research has generated millions for the scientist, he even brought up Al Gore saying he has everyone brainwashed. The funny thing about this page is that there is advertisements all over saying "just enter your email address here to get your FREE copy of Dr. Douglass' The Cold Truth About Global Warming, Plus Dr. Douglass' Health Newsletter!" If this doctor was really trying to improve peoples knowledge and be beneficial to societies views, why is it necessary to plug his book and newsletter all over?
Another opposing viewpoint I found was on the Minnesota Public Radio website. It stated that the founder of The Weather Channel, John Coleman said "I can't find a single link between any warming that may have occurred and the activities of mankind." John Coleman also thinks global warming is a hoax and blames the media for creating this scam.
My Views
I am not any kind of doctor or scientist but from what I have read and learned on this topic there is a lot of convincing evidence that proves global warming is real and if we don't take specific action to stop harming our environment, very soon we are going to be in hot water. I found the reading informational and I agree with David Applegate the our country needs to take the initiative. I found my opposing view points not to have much of an influence on me and I am going to keep trying to get more green and learn more about this topic. I guess this assignment leaves me with one question. Is there any reason why we shouldn't reduce our emissions and be more environmentally friendly even if global warming doesn't exist??
No Regrets
It has been known for some time now that carbon dioxide levels are rising and we are starting to link these levels with our warming climate. No Regrets strategies are policies focused on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases without the having to wait for extensive scientific research on climate change and an agreement on what it causing it.
Resilient Today, Adaptable Tomorrow
This section suggested that some geologists argue that hurricanes and natural disasters will occur more often and become more deadly with or without global warming. Wealthier people see the coast lines as the optimal place to live with its warmth and beauty, these people in some ways are just putting themselves in harm's way. I found this section to be interesting because it brings up points questioning the impact of human lifestyles on global warming. It is stated that the Antarctic ice sheet has been melting for thousands of years which would suggest that it is not all human related. For me I find this debate on whether global warming is happening or not to be silly. Who cares if its not? If its not happening and we take precautions and reduce our impact on the earth what do we lose? If we don't take any precautions and keep living the way the majority of us are living what is going to happen? What are we going to lose?
A Modest Proposal
David Applegate suggests that the President should consider a strategy that helps our society more resilient to natural hazards and policies for addressing climate change. Basically, we need to make progress and start moving in the "right" direction. Its better to be safe than sorry
Opposing Views
I found something interesting on the Douglass Report website, it was called The Truth about Global Warming. It calls the idea of global warming a "cash cow." Dr. Douglass is stating that global warming research has generated millions for the scientist, he even brought up Al Gore saying he has everyone brainwashed. The funny thing about this page is that there is advertisements all over saying "just enter your email address here to get your FREE copy of Dr. Douglass' The Cold Truth About Global Warming, Plus Dr. Douglass' Health Newsletter!" If this doctor was really trying to improve peoples knowledge and be beneficial to societies views, why is it necessary to plug his book and newsletter all over?
Another opposing viewpoint I found was on the Minnesota Public Radio website. It stated that the founder of The Weather Channel, John Coleman said "I can't find a single link between any warming that may have occurred and the activities of mankind." John Coleman also thinks global warming is a hoax and blames the media for creating this scam.
My Views
I am not any kind of doctor or scientist but from what I have read and learned on this topic there is a lot of convincing evidence that proves global warming is real and if we don't take specific action to stop harming our environment, very soon we are going to be in hot water. I found the reading informational and I agree with David Applegate the our country needs to take the initiative. I found my opposing view points not to have much of an influence on me and I am going to keep trying to get more green and learn more about this topic. I guess this assignment leaves me with one question. Is there any reason why we shouldn't reduce our emissions and be more environmentally friendly even if global warming doesn't exist??
Posts
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you when you say that taking proper precautions can't hurt us even if global warming doesn't exist! Which also goes along with the question you ask at the end. It's really kind of sad how the mindset of people are, how we always care about problems after it's too late to do anything about them...I think that's exactly what we are doing with global warming. Soon enough, the human population will decrease significantly and only then will people say to themselves, "dang we should have done something earlier." You're post was very thought-provoking so good job!
I definitely agree that even though 'scientifically' it may not be as bad as many people may make it out to be, but why would it hurt to make necessary changes now to make sure global warming doesnt get out of control later?? And that Statement made by Dr Douglass about global warming being a "cash cow"?!! Wow! Too bad that people are still being that oblivious to the issues of the world today. Great write up Shannon, it was nice to read :)
ReplyDeleteIt is better to be safe than sorry...If at the end we all find out global warming isn't true after all, then at least we would know we took some procausions to make our environment better anyways. Good job on your post.
ReplyDeleteKeep working hard!
I agree with you Shannon. To many people still believe that global warming doesn't even exist. They must be looking past all the convincing evidence. I think there are others that simply just don't want to acknowledge that global warming is happening. Nicely wrote!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really like how you picked up on the fact that that doctor was trying to promote his book and newsletter, and not really trying to improve peoples knowledge and be beneficial to societies views. What a great eye! You seem to really be taking this topic seriously and I think that that is very admirable. Good for you! And to answer your question, NO...I do not think that there is anything wrong with trying to improve the environment even if global warming is a hoax. But I seriously doubt that. Great job!
ReplyDelete