Global Warming Reaches New Heights
Global Warming Reaches New Heights
Amiti Sharma
Over the past several years, scientists have continually observed and expressed concerns about global warming and the threats it poses to our and future generations. However, while the various risks of global warming are silently increase nearly every day, citizens are failing to show concern or interest in taking steps to prevent these climate changes. One report from the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) reported that if immediate action is not taken, global warming will eventually display disastrous consequences from the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to rising sea levels, and potentially even increase rates of lung and cardiovascular diseases within men and women,
The New York Times addressed an observation by scientist F. Sherwood Rowland that a new atmospheric element (CFC) produced from carbon emissions was polluting the air. AAAS leader Dr. Mario Molina investigated this further and came to the disturbing conclusion that CFCs were gradually breaking down the ozone layer, which plays a vital role in protecting us from hazardous ultraviolet sunrays. Researchers have found that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has nearly doubled since the 1900s, and is contributing to what is now being called “the great climate experiment.” Although citizens continually appear to remain calm about our environment’s status, scientists remain very cautious about what effects global warming will have in the future.
Time magazine takes an approach to demonstrate the potential implications of climate change and to increase awareness throughout the nation. However, only one side of the issue is presented in the article, as author Bryan Walsh effectively presents the scientific and environmental perspective. The viewpoints from contemporary U.S. citizens are not acknowledged. The facts given in the article are clear, concise, and relay an important message. From statistical data figures, representing how only 36% of Americans consider global warming as a threat to how carbon emissions in the atmosphere have increased from 280ppm to 400ppm within one year, the numerical data is very accurate. Other factual information, such as the list of environmental effects resulting from global warming to the experiment conducted by Dr. Molina who dealt with understanding the effect behind CFCs in the air, is reliable information that is produced from other credible sources and environmental organizations, such as the AAAS and IPCC.
The next steps that should be taken to help reduce climate changes could be simple tasks that U.S. citizens should adapt to. As for transportation, people should start biking and walking more. People can recycle more to create less waste. Instead of being cut down, trees and flowers can be planted to absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Factories that burn significant amounts of fossil fuels should research alternative forms of energy that will not be released as toxins into the atmosphere. Since global warming and climate change in the U.S. is a national concern, the executive branch of the government, being the President of the United States and his office, is responsible for addressing this concern to the public.
