Hailey Heumann
English 1010 – Per. 3
Mrs. Larson
Due Date: October 31, 2012
Global Warming: To Be or Not to Be?
Is global warming really such a big deal? According to Ben Bova's “ Global
Warming is Real” it is “real” and “humans are at fault”. This raises questions to whether
or not the facts are real or just miscalculations. The proof is in the pudding, and with the
facts provided it is clear that global warming is a real issue that affects everyone
everyday. These are real facts that come from real scientists that prove that global
climate change is existent.
The studies of researchers and other scientists give the world a better
understanding of the reality of global climate change. It used to be believed that the
“Earth was cooling, not warming” (Bova, Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context),
however, evidence proves that that is no longer the case. An overall increase in
temperature throughout the world has caused the rise in interest about the earth’s
temperature. Many people wonder why global warming should be a worry since the
weather forecast is often incorrect. However, global warming is not only going to happen
in the future, but it is also happening right now. On Channel 2 News, they show past
highs and lows for that day. More often than not, the temperature is closer to the high
than it is to the low.
Not only is the proof in the news, but there is also proof just by looking outside.
Especially in “high latitudes, where Canadian and Siberian villages that have for
centuries rested on solid ground are now sinking into mud, because the permafrost
beneath them is thawing” (Bova, Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context). Ben Bova also
states that “Arctic sea ice is thinning drastically [and] [g]laciers are melting away.” This
is because of global warming. It is real, and can be proven through measurable facts.
David Evans states that “[t]he whole idea that Carbon Dioxide is the main cause
of the recent global warming is based on a guess that was proved false by empirical
evidence during the 1990s.” He goes on talking about how it is fiction that carbon
dioxide is a “dangerous pollutant.” However, there is proof that carbon dioxide is heating
up the earth. The graph shows that the carbon dioxide count has gradually become more
and more. Our carbon dioxide levels are at their peak, and they are showing no signs of
coming down anytime soon.
Even though carbon dioxide levels are becoming higher and higher, there are
ways that communities can help with the problem. “[T]echnologies exist today to make
cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, modernize power plants and generate electricity
from nonpolluting sources, and cut our electricity use through energy efficiency. The
challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use” (www.nrdc.org). However, the
problem is making sure that these resources are being used. This is difficult because it
often costs more to buy the “green” alternative. For example, “the cost of CNG-powered
vehicles are discovered to be about $3,500 more than the gasoline-powered ones”
(allaboutcngvehicles.com). Even though it is more costly, the buyer will save money
overall because the cost of natural gas is much lower than that of gasoline. Therefore,
buying “greener” products will help lower the amount of carbon dioxide, ultimately,
slowing down the global warming.
Global warming is all around us. Everyone needs to help lower the carbon
dioxide levels which are being trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. This is a huge issue
that cannot be ignored any longer. It is causing not only droughts, it is also causing sea
ice and permafrost to melt. If global warming is not real, then how come these problems
exist?
Works Cited
Bova, Ben. "Global Warming Is Real." Global Warming. Ed. Cynthia A. Bily. Detroit:
Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Facts Show Global
Warming Is Real." NaplesNews.com. 2008. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In
Context. Web. 12 Dec. 2012.
"CNG vs. Gasoline." CNG Vehicles. All About CNG Vehicles, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.allaboutcngvehicles.com/cng-vs-gasoline/>.
"Climate Change Facts - An Introduction | NRDC." Natural Resources Defense Council:
The Earth’s Best Defense | NRDC. NRDC, 11 Aug. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/climate
Evans, David. "Global Warming Theory Is Based on False Science." Pollution. Ed. Debra
A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Current Controversies. Rpt. from
"Carbon Warming Too Minor to Be Worth Worrying About." Financial Post 7
Apr. 2011. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 12 Dec. 2012.