Homework Assignment #5 – Global Warming Paper

Due Wednesday, November 29 (Section 1)

Due Thursday, November 30 (Section 2)

Write short paper (maximum length two double spaced pages) that clearly states where you stand on the global warming issue. You will need to consider the following questions: Is global warming something to be concerned about? Should governments regulate companies and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are you willing to take personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Of course, your opinions cannot be wrong, but you must argue for your position. Your grade will be largely based on how well the paper is written. Your position should be clearly stated. The arguments or reasons that you give in support of your position should be clear and concise. Your recommendations for action should be consistent with your position. Take your time and write a good paper. There will be little tolerance for grammar and spelling errors. Be concise. Do not include useless information that does not support your views or unnecessarily repeat yourself. Because this is an opinion paper, you can use the word “I”, just try not to use it in every sentence. You are not required to do any additional research outside of the material presented in class, but feel free to reference additional sources of information if you wish.

Your paper must address the issues/questions listed below. These items should be incorporated into a concise and well written paper, not randomly discussed. We will look for each of these items when grading your paper.

1. Your attitude toward the global warming issue must be clearly stated. You may use the "Common attitudes toward global warming" handout as a guide, but I want you to show me that you have thought about the issue. You must express why you feel the way that you do.

2. What do you make of the recently measured rise in global average temperatures, especially since 1980? Do you believe the temperature increase is a direct consequence of increased greenhouse gases? Are you concerned about any of the potential impacts that may come about if temperatures continue to rise? The answer to the last question is important even if you do not believe that the recent warming can be attributed to increases in greenhouse gases.

3. Climate models and impact studies are the best tools we have for predicting future climate changes and the corresponding effects on human civilizations and other life on Earth. Because the climate system is very complex and not fully understood, these tools can only provide us with uncertain predictions of the future. How, if at all, does this uncertainty factor into your views about global warming and what should be done?

4. Do you think governments should regulate corporations and individuals in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? If so, should they be radical changes or just minor changes? Consider that there will be costs involved (both dollar costs and comfort costs) in enacting any policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Keep in mind that most greenhouse emissions are related to transportation and the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. The widespread use of personal computers in recent decades has significantly increased electricity demands. So if you think governments should force compliance, you need to realize that the immediate effects will probably be more expensive and less convenient transportation, reductions in productivity, and loss of some personal comforts.

5. If governments do not act, are you willing to (or do you already) make personal choices or sacrifices based on concerns about global warming? As an example, this does not mean “I ride a bicycle because I cannot afford a car” it means “I ride a bicycle because I am worried about global warming and I do not want to add CO₂ to the atmosphere”.