Global Warming Essay (Due April 24 – Part of Exam 3)

Write a short essay, maximum length two double-spaced pages (points will not be deducted if your essay is shorter than two pages) that clearly states where you stand on the global warming issue. The essay will be collected in class on Tuesday, April 24, and will make up 20% of your exam 3 grade. Make sure you write your name on the paper. You will need to consider the following questions: Do you think humans are largely responsible for the recent, measured increase in global average temperature? Are you concerned about the possible consequences associated with increasing global average temperature, e.g., sea level rise? For this question, it is possible to be concerned even if you don’t believe that the warming is caused by our adding greenhouse gases. 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 your essay 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 essay. There will be little tolerance for grammar and spelling errors. Be concise. 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 essay must address the issues/questions listed below. These items should be incorporated into a concise and well-written essay, not randomly discussed. We will check that you discuss each of these five items when grading your essay.

1. Your attitude toward the global warming issue must be clearly stated. You may use the "Common attitudes toward global warming" link 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 in your own words, i.e., do not just copy words or phrases from the common attitudes page.

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?

3. At the moment we are unable to say for sure how much of the recent warming of global average temperature is due to increased greenhouse gases. We are also unable to predict precisely how climate will change in the future if we continue to add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. For the most part we rely on computer models, global climate models, to address these uncertainties. While these models are the best tools we have, the complexity of the climate system and our limited understanding of climate processes makes it impossible for climate models to provide exact answers or predictions. Does this uncertainty about the effects of increased greenhouse gases on climate change influence 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. Most greenhouse emissions are related to transportation and the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. 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. Also keep in mind that minor changes, which result in slight reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, will probably have very little overall impact on reducing the potential climate changes … to make a significant difference the world must make large cuts in the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

5. 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”.