My
papers topic is Global Warming. I concentrate mainly on the areas of sea level
rise, resistance to green technology, and changing wind patterns. These three
areas together in my paper show some real effects of Global Warming. They also
assess reasons not much is being done or talked about to fix the problem. Here
is my thesis, the least we can do is make an effort to
reduce and try to eventually reverse this process for future generations to
build on, revise, and resolve. At least, that’s the gift each generation gives
to the next. The world, full of its newest struggles and impasses, is handed to
us. We all hold faith that the next generation won’t give up and will be better
than the last in some way.
My paper expresses that there aren’t many solutions to Global Warming, in fact
the problems far outweigh the solutions in this case. No change however, or
becoming discouraged isn’t good either. There must be a change even if gradual
towards reducing the carbon footprint globally. I make several calls to action
in the paper but my main concern is that readers walk away with something new
to talk about. I think a big reason not much is being done is because people don’t
talk about it, they may know of Global Warming but they don’t see the effects.
They are out there they just aren’t commonly discussed. Getting Global Warming
into political discussions would be great for publicity. Even if it is bad
publicity, and it may be a somber subject with not many solutions but that’s all
the more reason to do something about it. According to some of the research I’ve
done on this the situation is even worse than I had imagined, and I already
considered myself somewhat of a knowledgeable person in this field.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Global Warming Rationale
I
start my paper introducing Global Warming as a crisis affecting everyone. I
bring attention to the facts that not much is being done, and many have no idea
how much damage is being done. This section is important because it expresses
the significance of a topic which many people don’t think about. Unfortunately,
the solutions are far outweighed by the issues and there are more effects of
Global Warming being discovered all the time. I say scientists are in
agreement, there is really no scientific reason for opposition to the theory of
Global Warming, and yet there still is opposition. Then I say something
terrible is going to happen to really try to get people to care. It’s true
something bad is going to happen it’s just a matter of when. I next talk about
the various topics I will cover based on the studies I have used for my research
and leave my thesis at the end of the introduction paragraph.
Next
I discuss the changing wind patterns of the earth. I relate it to drought today
in the US so that it will hit home. Explaining that the rise in ocean
temperature is what has caused the wind patterns to change. I also show some
studies on areas with increased precipitation. The predictions into the future
include further more rapid increase in temperature. There is also a change from
snow to more rain globally. Canada is one country as a whole which will experience
this. There is also the matter of a lack of precipitation in India causing
strain on their water supplies. I also describe last how Africa’s plant ecology
is projected to change before everyone else’s by 10% in 2028. Affecting crops,
people, and animals.
In my last section I talk
about sea level rise and throw in a couple authors’ names and a short
summarization of some of the findings in their studies. I reveal issues like
displacement of people in low lying areas, and distribution of infrastructure
and vital city buildings as well as residences near the ocean. All of these
things that will be affected by sea level rise that people may not have thought
about. There is also the concern for public and animals near water in the case
of increasing frequency of hurricanes resulting from warmer oceans. I end by
again reiterating that non-action could spell disaster.
The
green energy paragraph is a compilation of green technologies, carbon reduction
strategies, resistance to green technology, and resistance of humans to change.
Pros and cons of green technology investments are discussed. Most are cons
because green technology is expensive except in the long term. I show an
example of a study about offering cash relief to persons attempting to engage
in green activities like biking or reducing carbon footprint. This offers a
great alternative to simply asking people to pay more to live green. One study
argued that the human brain is not evolved enough to worry about threats in the
distant future. However, since there are many people who are concerned I believe
this to be false. I also mention how this topic is generally divided in opinion
based on political views. I offer a point which argues against global warming the
fact that the earth is in a natural warming period, and disprove it saying the
changes we have seen are too great to be attributed to this warming period
alone. Then casually mention oil companies to end the topic. For even though it
wasn’t a big topic for discussion I fell I would be remiss if I didn’t mention
the oil companies impact on resistance to green technology.
My
conclusion is another call to action and to discussion. Similar to my
introduction to really get the point across that Global Warming is scary and
people should talk about it more and be concerned because it is very
disconcerting. I also express my sentiments that the topic doesn’t have a clear
solution at the moment. I’m really only trying to spur discussion and raise
awareness about this subject. I end the outline asking readers not to be afraid
to talk about Global Warming because at least talking about it is a step in the
direction of making it a higher priority for the general public.
Global Warming Outline
I)
Introduction: Show Global warming as a
crisis, thesis included.
a)
Global Warming is an ever increasing crisis on our planet.
i)
The causes are many, as well as the effects.
ii)
The solutions are frighteningly few and far in between compared
with how much damage we are doing.
iii)
Scientists are in agreement, and few tend to dispute the fact
that the planet is changing.
iv)
The real question now is how much longer we can continue to ignore
this problem before something terrible happens.
b)
Not enough is being done to combat this or
work towards a solution.
i)
Unless we figure out a different way to combat the CO2 we are
putting into the atmosphere by burning gas the situation will keep deteriorating
exponentially.
ii) We will have to start
adjusting to life using gas as a last resort or to a minimum level.
iii) There are people who
still dispute Global Warming who influence others not to act on the issue.
iv) Future suspension of
fact means everything that has been happening, and is now beyond our control,
will continue to worsen.
c)
Since there are so many aspects of Global
Warming I have chosen to focus in on a few.
i)
The topics I chose to include using
studies done with factual data include, Sea Level Rise, Storm Risk, Ocean
Acidification, Ocean Temperature Rise, Human Resistance to Change, Changing
Wind Patterns and Precipitation, Drought, and Changing Plant Ecology, and
Resistance to Green Energy. These topics can all be related to Global Warming,
for each of which I have good conclusive research.
d)
Thesis statement: The least we can do is
make an effort to reduce and try to eventually reverse this process for future
generations to build on, revise, and resolve. At least, that’s the gift each generation
gives to the next. The world, full of its newest struggles and impasses, is
handed to us. We all hold faith that the next generation won’t give up and will
be better than the last in some way.
II)
Sea Level Rise: One big concern is the
rise in sea level we have experienced so far.
a)
Not only is the rise in sea level itself
alarming, the
displacement of people from low-lying areas into higher ground is a big
migration. (Byravan)
i)
It speculates refugees reception by other countries and the laws in place
to deal with exiles.
b)
Jacob H. Klaus explains how the events of Hurricane Sandy are a
precursor of what is to come.
i)
There is conclusive evidence that storms
and hurricanes occur more frequently in warmer waters. (Klaus)
ii) We must prepare all coastal cities
for a tragedy of such magnitude.
iii) Many structures and homes vital to
our survival exist close to water.
iv) If we are not prepared for future
occurrences we may be setting ourselves up for failure.
III)
Changing Wind Patterns: This shifts the
areas receiving forms of precipitation, verses drought.
a)
Some areas are receiving more rain, snow,
storms or heat than usual.
i)
Two studies I found recorded increases in
precipitation in mountainous areas of China and Canada as well as extreme
estimates for the near future, and a shift from snow to more rain.
ii) North American
drought can be attributed to a change in the Pacific Easterly wind pattern. Thomas
Delworth’s study explains that not only is our drought caused by rising temperature,
but specifically, it is an effect of ocean warming which changes the planets
well established air currents.
iii) The current wind patterns are the reason for
the lack of monsoons lately which India depends on for its rivers, aquifers,
and temperature regulation.
iv) This has even started effecting plant ecology,
Africa is expected to change its habitat by 10% in 2028. This will affect
people and animals in Africa especially if popular food sources are no longer
suited to grow in Africa’s new climate.
IV)
Green Energy: The resistance to change is
fierce.
a)
I have a study which examines the pros and cons of switching
modern companies over to green standards.
i)
That is
green energy, de-carbonization, and investments in new technology.
ii) It considers the cost of transferring to a
green company in the long and short term, contrasting the price of new
technology now with the impact of waiting until costs lower to convert to green
energy. Impact meaning the impact to the environment. It isn’t common for
people to think this way especially with all the concerns that already come
with a business. Our situation now deems it as significant for all to switch
over to green energy. The problem is it doesn’t become profitable for several
years to install solar panels on roofs or wind turbines for how expensive they
are.
b) One alternative mentioned a Climate Change related disaster cash transfer
relief program.
i)
It
suggested using this cash transfer program to reward people for engaging in
carbon reduction activities. This can be taking a bike to work instead of
driving. Providing a cash transfer to communities that decide to move
themselves out of harm’s way from Climate Change deterring requirement for
compensation in the future as a result of a lost home or investments.
c)
In “The Road to Climate Hell,” Gifford argues that the human brain has not evolved to
take action on events that threaten us gradually or are in the distant future.
d)
Interestingly enough, many theories
against Global Warming are contentious and seem to be politically based and
divided across the left-right wing spectrum.
i)
These theories are dangerous because they misinform and
distract from the reality of Global Warming.
e)
A source of controvery for Climate Change critics is that the
Earth is currently in a natural warming period. But, there are swaths of
evidence that the warming period alone is not enough to explain the rise in
temperature we are experiencing. (Wei)
f)
Oil companies have applied steady resistance for years
especially in politics.
V)
Conclusion: Call to Action through awareness
a)
I think that there aren’t enough people talking about and
concerned with this issue. Little is being done and the best time to start an
organized green revolution would have been many years ago. Climate Change is
not discussed in elections or politics, and it’s not exactly a big afternoon
brunch topic. My fear is that people don’t know enough, they do not know how
bad things will get in just the next two decades. The changes we are about to
see will become commonplace for our children, but to the people who have lived
on this planet long enough to become accustomed to its current state everything
will change. This is a hard topic to talk about since there aren’t many
solutions and all I’m offering is evidence for contemporary world issues
effecting humans, animals, plants and oceans today. The point I am trying to
prove is although there are many things we can stop doing today to cut off
greenhouse gas emissions that really aren’t practical. People will still drive
gas powered cars tomorrow and the next day. To raise awareness to just how much
change is occurring globally and what it is affecting even though it may not be
on the news or a part of our daily life. We will start doing something sooner
or later, we will have to, at least to adapt to the earth changing. We should
start talking about this issue more, before the event which convinces people to
make a change is the one that spells disaster.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Literature Review
Global Warming is an ever increasing
crisis on our planet. The causes are many, as well as the effects. The
solutions are frighteningly few and far in between compared with how much
damage we are doing. I’m not going to go through the old song and dance telling
how Global Warming works and the Greenhouse effect. Instead, I will give you a
few of effects of Global Warming showing up in our lives today. Scientists are
in agreement, and few tend to dispute the fact that the planet is changing. The
real question now is how much longer we can continue to ignore this problem
before something terrible happens and everyone decides to vote on something.
Still, there’s no reason to blame anyone for our current situation. Internal
combustion engines were one of the greatest inventions of the 19th
century (next to steam engines). Gas used to be a crude waste product created
during the production of kerosene. It ended up being a great way to power
pretty much anything. A high return of energy for a minimal amount of energy
exhausted. Not only that, but it is still cheaper in many cases to own a gas
powered car. They are still being used everywhere. Automobile manufacturers
aren’t switching to electric cars or some other energy source; they are still
coming out with brand new models of gas powered cars every year. Gas is running
out, but it’s not out yet, not by a long shot. There will be gasoline to power
things into the foreseeable future, and it’s hard to know really how much time
we have left. All we know is that for now gas isn’t going away. Unless we
figure out a different way to combat the CO2 we are putting into the atmosphere
by burning gas. Other than planting trees and hoping everything will turn out
okay. We will have to start adjusting to life using gas as a last resort or to
a minimum level. Otherwise everything that has been happening, and is now
beyond our control, will continue to happen. We will lose the rest of the ice
on the planet; air will have increasing amounts of CO2 in it and less oxygen,
yadda yadda, etcetera etcetera. We won’t live to see it, but human beings will.
What will they think of the people who allowed our planet to die? My project
will cover the main reasons why addressing global warming has not been a top
priority for us, our government, and others around the world. Some major
questions asked will be what can we really do to make the most impact in
reducing our carbon footprint? What is going to stand in our way? What are just
a few direct effects of Global Warming causing problems today? It may be that
there are just not enough ways to limit the amount of carbon being released
into the atmosphere at this time. The least we can do is make an effort to
reduce and try to eventually reverse this process for future generations to
build on, revise, and resolve. At least, that’s the gift each generation gives
to the next. The world, full of its newest struggles and impasses, is handed to
us. We all hold faith that the next generation won’t give up and will be better
than the last in some way. Sources for this project center mostly on sea level
rise, changing wind patterns, green technology today, and the resistance to
change.
Many sources cover sea level rise.
For instance, Sujatha Byravan and
colleagues, “Sea level rise and climate change exiles: A possible solution
“from the Bulletin of the Atomic
Scientists from 2015. This article talks about sea level rise and the displacement
of people from low-lying areas into higher ground. It speculates their reception
by other countries and the laws in place to deal with exiles. This will be
interesting because immigration is such a hot topic, especially now with the
war in Syria. I will use this article to try to describe what the course of
events will be to displaced refugees as a result of rising sea level. Another
source in this category is, "Sea
level rise, storm risk, denial, and the future of coastal cities," by Jacob,
Klaus H. from the Bulletin of the Atomic
Scientists from 2015. In this article Klaus explains how the events of
Hurricane Sandy are a precursor of what is to come. With sea level rising and
hurricanes becoming more frequent with warmer waters, we must prepare all
coastal cities for a tragedy of such magnitude. Many structures and homes vital
to our survival exist close to water, too close for comfort. If we are not
prepared for future occurrences we may be setting ourselves up for failure. I
found this article especially interesting because the author has already accepted
these increasing events inevitable as a result of Global Warming. He is now
focusing on how to improvise, adapt, and overcome the changing climate. At
least, for the time being. I will use this source partly to emphasize what some
people believe about Global Warming as opposed to others. Some people deny it,
some accept it, and many simply do not know enough, or do not care. Also on the
topic of flooding and sea level rise, I have included an article by Jennifer
Howard-Grenville and colleagues. "Climate Change and Management." From
the Academy of Management from 2014.
The article talks about how climate change may impact the management industry.
Social impacts of ocean acidification, and coastal flooding. Transformation of
global economy and warnings about climate change issued by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It has several graphs and lots of
temperature data collected on the Earth’s surface. I will use this article to
show another example of effects of Global Warming as well as another author who
has accepted Climate Change as fact and is now preparing to do the best they
can to prepare for the current situation.
Many
of my sources contained studies of wind patterns and changing weather currents
effecting precipitation. Thomas Delworth and associates created, "A Link between the Hiatus in Global Warming and
North American Drought." Published
in Journal of Climate in 2015. This source looks at the Pacific Easterly wind
patterns as the main cause of North American drought and the causes for the
change in wind pattern.This suggests that not only is our drought caused by
rising temperature, but specifically, it is an effect of ocean warming which
changes the planets well established air currents. To illustate the preceding
article I will use, "Changes in Independency
between Two Types of El NiƱo Events under a Greenhouse Warming Scenario in
CMIP5 Models," by Yoo-Geun Ham and cohorts published in 2015 by the Journal
of Climate. This article observes changes in the areas around the globe receiving
precipitation as a result of changing ocean temperatures and wind patterns.
Especially in the western Pacific, which would certainly be affecting our
precipitation levels here in the western United States. It shows increasing
eastward extension of climatological precipitation to the central-eastern
Pacific. As well as increased precipitation near the equator in the Pacific.
This contrasts the common misconception that precipitation around the globe has
decreased, in fact, the change in the ocean temperature has moved precipitation
elsewhere. I will use this source to relate the lack of precipitation in the
western United States lately to a change in the wind patterns on Earth. Moving
on to show affected areas outside the United States I can use an article by
Beate G Liepert and his colleagues. The article is titled, "Global warming, the atmospheric brown cloud, and
the changing Indian summer monsoon." Published in 2015 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This article
investigates current wind patterns as the reason for the lack of monsoons
lately which India depends on for its rivers, aquifers, and temperature
regulation. It also compares India’s brown cloud caused by pollution which contributes
greatly to the lack of precipitation, possibly more so than changing air
currents. There was an article published by the Journal of Climate which studied one of our neighbors also. "Ensemble
Projections of Regional Climatic Changes over Ontario, Canada," by Xiuquan
Wang and collaborators. This article contains data collected from 1950
until present day to predict changes in temperature and precipitation in parts
of Canada up to 2099. This will certainly affect Americans, especially those
living in the mid-west, who experience vast extremes of temperature from summer
to winter as a result of cold air either moving south through the US or not.
Precipitation as well as temperature are expected to increase drastically in
the next 30 years. I will use this source to highlight the changes in
precipitation and temperature that our close neighbors are currently
experiencing and have been taking data samples of for over 50 years. It will
also be nice to use their predictions for the next 100 years based on the data
they have already collected. Another article published in the Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
in 2015 is titled, "Characteristics of
Drought Disaster-Causing Factor Anomalies in Southwestern and Southern China
against the Background of Global Warming." This study was done by Jinsong
Wang and his associates. It is a good contrast between drought in North America, and China.
This article includes climate observations of 129 meteorological stations in
southwestern and southern China from 1961 to 2012. The effect of this article
being observations made in China can help drive home the point that envirnonmental
change is occuring everywhere, and that is what I will focus on with this
article. My next article is titled,
“Improving Climate Change Detection through Optimal Seasonal Averaging: The
Case of the North Atlantic Jet and European Precipitation.” Was a study done by
Giuseppe Zappa and colleagues and published in 2015 by the Journal of Climate. This article examines the changing weather
patterns and how this impacts the accurate detection of climate Change. It
suggests that the change can be more accurately measured when considering the
affect that Climate Change has had on the seasons. The North Atlantic jet is
extending eastward into Europe because of ocean warming. This source contains
many maps and weather patterns. I will use this source along with the others I
have compiled on changing weather patterns to try to summarize the change for
us now and in the near future. Another article I have collected on this subject
is titled, "Estimating the Response of
Extreme Precipitation over Midlatitude Mountains to Global Warming." This
article was published in 2015 by the Journal
of Climate. The study was done by Xiaoming Shi and peers. The data
compiled in this article observes an increase in the amount of precipitation on
mountains in this area, and a shift from snow to more rain. The fact that this
area is receiving more precipitation than normal while others are receiving
less should help convince readers that wind currents really are changing. I
will use this article to articulate a circumstance of a place on Earth
differing from other regions which are losing precipitation by showing one that
is receiving increased precipitation. To study some affects this has on plant
life I am using the article, “Climate Change and Crop Exposure to Adverse
Weather: Changes to Frost Risk and Grapevine Flowering Conditions.” This study
was done by Jonathan R Mosedale and associates in 2015, and was published by
the Public Library of Science. This
article examines the effects of Climate Change on grape vineyards. The warmer
weather is beneficial to the grapes. However, the risk of late spring frosts
could be devastating. Since Global Warming is making it increasingly more
difficult to predict the weather, especially for predictions into the far
future. It is becoming more and more important to get information for
predicting weather patterns that are as accurate as possible. I will use this
article along with the others that refer to changes in plant ecology to drive
home the point that nothing about our planet is safe from changing as a result
of warming. It is especially scary when it affects our food sources. My last
Article on the subject of wind patterns also includes studies into effects on
plants. "Regional Variations in Potential Plant Habitat Changes in Response
to Multiple Global Warming Scenarios." Published in the Journal of Climate in 2015, this study
was done by Chang-Eui Park and cohorts. I
will use this article in order to compare regions of changing ecology, plant
life, and precipitation migration. Concentrations of certain types of plant
life around the globe will change in response to changing precipitation
patterns. This source examines global vegetation and habitat changes in the
near future, and ones which are drastically changing at the moment. Africa, for
example, is predicted to change its habitat 10% by 2028. This poses a problem
to areas that people have occupied for a long period of time. Gathering food,
finding water, and other resources. It will also pose a threat to animals,
especially those that cannot adapt to the new environment.
My
next topic will be green energy. The benefits and drawbacks to modern Americans
and businesses, as well as citizens of other countries. Eleanor Denny and
colleagues did a study on this subject in 2015 published in the Economists’ Voice. The title is, "Hurry
or Wait - The Pros and Cons of Going Fast or Slow on Climate Change." This source examines the pros and cons of switching modern companies
over to green standards. That is green energy, de-carbonization, and
investments in new technology. It considers the cost of transferring to a green
company in the long and short term, contrasting the price of new technology now
with the impact of waiting until costs lower to convert to green energy. I will
use this source to highlight some common problems, and solutions for businesses
and people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. I found an interesting
article promoting carbon reduction techniques with a reward system. “Climate change,
cash transfers and health,” is an article published by the Bulletin of the World Health Organization in 2015 on a study done
by Frank Pega and his fellow collaborators. This article suggests using our
current Climate Change related disasters cash transfer relief program and
tweaking it for a more proactive approach.
Instead of giving cash transfers to people only when something bad happens
and they are in need of compensation, it suggests using this cash transfer
program to reward people for engaging in carbon reduction activities. This can
be taking a bike to work instead of driving. Providing a cash transfer to
communities that decide to move themselves out of harm’s way from Climate
Change deterring requirement for compensation in the future as a result of a
lost home or investments. Still primarily on the topic of green energy, but
bleeding into relation to lack of public green energy response I found an
article titled, “The road to climate hell.” Published in New Scientist in 2015 on a study done by Robert Gifford. This
article discusses reasons for humanity’s lack of response to Global Warming
threat. Argues that the human brain has not evolved to take action on events
that threaten us gradually or are in the distant future. Covers cost of electric
cars and economic concerns. Also goes over conformation bias, uncertainty, and
ignorance about Climate Change. I will use this source to address some concerns
that average people have as well as again trying to gauge the peoples
understating and general stance on Global Warming currently.
My next topic
centers mainly on lack of response to the Global Warming threat globally and
some reasons humans have reacted the way we have so far. Karen M Douglas and
associates did an interesting article in this genre titled, “Climate change:
Why the conspiracy theories are dangerous.” The article was published in 2015
by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
This article looks at some Climate change conspiracy theories, what they argue,
and what they may have in common. Many theories against Global Warming are
contentious and seem to be politically based and divided across the left-right
wing spectrum. These theories are dangerous because they misinform and distract
from the reality of Global Warming. I will use this article to try to show some
reasons why people believe these theories, and what their argument is. “The road to climate hell.” Published in New Scientist in 2015 on a study done by
Robert Gifford will be great on this topic as well as being a good source on
the topic of green energy. This article discusses reasons for humanity’s lack
of response to Global Warming threat. Argues that the human brain has not
evolved to take action on events that threaten us gradually or are in the
distant future. Covers cost of electric cars and economic concerns. Also goes
over conformation bias, uncertainty, and ignorance about Climate Change. I will
use this source to address some concerns that average people have as well as
again trying to gauge the peoples understating and general stance on Global
Warming currently. Similarly, Maurice Lineman and his co-workers did a study
which produced the article, "Talking about
Climate Change and Global Warming." Published in 2015 by the Public
Library of Science. The
article looks at public
opinion and sentiment about Global Warming by using Social Networks to enhance
development of social consciousness. Facebook, twitter, and other social
networks are used as well as commonly searched terms on Google relating to the
subject. It has graphs and tables of data collected as well as measured surface
temperature increase. It is a common topic for debate whether people are not
thorouhgly educated about climate change, or if the general public just chooses
not to think about it. I will be using this source in my paper to asses how
much knowledge the general population has about Global Warming. The next
article I am using is called, "A Quantitative Definition of Global Warming Hiatus and
50-Year Prediction of Global-Mean Surface Temperature." Published by the Journal
of the Atmospheric Sciences in
2015 on a study done by Meng Wei and his partners. The authors of this
journal investigate the planets normal warming and cooling periods taking into
account the warming period we are currently in and comparing it with those in
the past. They talkabout the steady warming our planet is experiencing as a result
of carbon emissions and the greenhouse effect. One piece of evidence many
Climate Change disputers use is the fact that the Earth is currently in a
natural warming period. This source provides evidence that the warming period
alone is not enough to explain the rise in temperature we are experiencing.
This last point is the part of the article I am going to use to argue against
the misconception that Global Warming is a farce because the Earth naturally
warms and cools. My last article in this section is titled, "Poll Finds Global Warming is a
Serious Concern to Hispanics and an Important Issue in Presidential
Election." Published by the Franklin
Business & Law Journal in 2015 on a study done by Jim Hellegaard. This is a strange article
since it follows a trend in Hispanics concerned about Global Warming. The part
that was especially interesting to me was that the author was suggesting that Global
Warming may be an actual factor in the election this year, which has not
happened yet. Global Warming has not been a concern in past elections. I will
use the statistics in this study to give an example of Global Warming in
politics as a factor. This may be a good comparison for readers to start thinking
about their own views regarding Global Warming and to reconsider their stance
in the election based on this factor instead of the ones that the candidates
choose which skirt this subject. (i.e. Immigration, taxes, budget spending,
national debt, insulting each other, talking about things nobody really cares
about.
My final article is a subject which
is estranged from my other articles except for the fact that it is directly
related to Global Warming. “Global Warming: News, Facts, Causes & Effects,” is
an article published in 2014 by LiveScience.
This resource has several articles on different aspects of global warming.
Including west coast forest fires, how hot oceans are killing coral, and
melting sea ice to name a few. It will be great to use this resource for
current events and studies. Also, to relate the western forest fires with
Global Warming and describe the affects of forest fires on Global Warming.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Annotated Bibliography
Byravan, Sujatha et al. “Sea level rise and climate
change exiles: A possible solution.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 71.2
(2015): 21-29. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This article talks
about sea level rise and the displacement of people from low-lying areas into
higher ground. It speculates their reception by other countries and the laws in
place to deal with exiles. This will be interesting because immigration is such
a hot topic, especially now with the war in Syria. I will use this article to
try to describe what the course of events will be to displaced refugees as a
result of rising sea level.
Denny, Eleanor et al. "Hurry or Wait - The Pros and
Cons of Going Fast or Slow on Climate Change." Economists' Voice 12.1 (2015): 19-25. Business Source Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This source examines
the pros and cons of switching modern companies over to green standards. That
is green energy, de-carbonization, and investments in new technology. It
considers the cost of transferring to a green company in the long and short
term, contrasting the price of new technology now with the impact of waiting
until costs lower to convert to green energy. I will use this source to
highlight some common problems, and solutions for businesses and people who
want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Delworth, Thomas L et al. "A Link between the
Hiatus in Global Warming and North American Drought." Journal of
Climate 28.9 (2015): 3834-3846. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
This source looks
at the Pacific Easterly wind patterns as the main cause of North American
drought and the causes for the change in wind pattern.This suggests that not
only is our drought caused by rising temperature, but specifically, it is an
effect of ocean warming which changes the planets well established air currents.
Douglas, Karen M et al. “Climate change:
Why the conspiracy theories are dangerous.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
71.2 (2015): 98-107. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This article looks
at some Climate change conspiracy theories, what they argue, and what they may
have in common. Many theories against Global Warming are contentious and seem
to be politically based and divided across the left-right wing spectrum. These
theories are dangerous because they misinform and distract from the reality of
Global Warming. I will use this article to try to show some reasons why people
believe these theories, and what their argument is.
Gifford,
Robert. “The road to climate hell.” New
Scientist 227.3029 (2015): 28-34. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This article discusses
reasons for humanity’s lack of response to Global Warming threat. Argues that
the human brain has not evolved to take action on events that threaten us
gradually or are in the distant future. Covers cost of electric cars and
economic concerns. Also goes over conformation bias, uncertainty, and ignorance
about Climate Change. I will use this source to address some concerns that
average people have as well as again trying to gauge the peoples understating
and general stance on Global Warming currently.
“Global Warming: News, Facts, Causes &
Effects.” LiveScience Purch 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2015. http://www.livescience.com/topics/global-warming/
This resource has
several articles on different aspects of global warming. Including west coast
forest fires, how hot oceans are killing coral, and melting sea ice to name a
few. It will be great to use this resource for current events and studies.
Also, to relate the western forest fires with Global Warming and describe the
affects of forest fires on Global Warming.
Ham, Yoo-Geun et
al. "Changes in Independency between
Two Types of El NiƱo Events under a Greenhouse Warming Scenario in CMIP5
Models." Journal of Climate 28.19 (2015): 7561-7576. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Oct.
2015
This article observes changes in the areas around
the globe receiving precipitation as a result of changing ocean temperatures
and wind patterns. Especially in the western Pacific, which would certainly be
affecting our precipitation levels here in the western United States. It shows
increasing eastward extension of climatological precipitation to the
central-eastern Pacific. As well as increased precipitation near the equator in
the Pacific. This contrasts the common misconception that precipitation around
the globe has decreased, in fact, the change in the ocean temperature has moved
precipitation elsewhere. I will use this source to relate the lack of
precipitation in the western United States lately to a change in the wind
patterns on Earth.
Hellegaard, Jim. "Poll Finds
Global Warming is a Serious Concern to Hispanics and an Important Issue in
Presidential Election." Franklin
Business & Law Journal. 3 (2015): 87-91. Catholic Church. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.
This is a
strange article since it follows a trend in Hispanics concerned about Global
Warming. The part that was especially interesting to me was that the author was
suggesting that Global Warming may be an actual factor in the election this
year, which has not happened yet. Global Warming has not been a concern in past
elections. I will use the statistics in this study to give an example of Global
Warming in politics as a factor. This may be a good comparison for readers to
start thinking about their own views regarding Global Warming and to reconsider
their stance in the election based on this factor instead of the ones that the
candidates choose which skirt this subject. (i.e. Immigration, taxes, budget
spending, national debt, insulting each other, talking about things nobody
really cares about.)
Jacob, Klaus H. "Sea level
rise, storm risk, denial, and the future of coastal cities." Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 71.5
(2015): 40-51. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
In this
article Klaus explains how the events of Hurricane Sandy are a precursor of
what is to come. With sea level rising and hurricanes becoming more frequent
with warmer waters, we must prepare all coastal cities for a tragedy of such
magnitude. Many structures and homes vital to our survival exist close to
water, too close for comfort. If we are not prepared for future occurrences we
may be setting ourselves up for failure. I found this article especially
interesting because the author has already accepted these increasing events
inevitable as a result of Global Warming. He is now focusing on how to
improvise, adapt, and overcome the changing climate. At least, for the time
being. I will use this source partly to emphasize what some people believe
about Global Warming as opposed to others. Some people deny it, some accept it,
and many simply do not know enough, or do not care.
Liepert, Beate G et al. "Global warming, the
atmospheric brown cloud, and the changing Indian summer monsoon." Bulletin
of the Atomic Scientists 71.4 (2015): 23-31. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.
This article investigates current wind patterns as
the reason for the lack of monsoons lately which India depends on for its
rivers, aquifers, and temperature regulation. It also compares India’s brown
cloud caused by pollution which contributes greatly to the lack of
precipitation, possibly more so than changing air currents.
Lineman, Maurice et al. "Talking about Climate
Change and Global Warming." Public Library of Science 10.9 (2015):
1-13. Academic Search Premier. Web.
15 Oct. 2015
Looks at public
opinion and sentiment about Global Warming by using Social Networks to enhance
development of social consciousness. Facebook, twitter, and other social
networks are used as well as commonly searched terms on Google relating to the
subject. It has graphs and tables of data collected as well as measured surface
temperature increase. It is a common topic for debate whether people are not
thorouhgly educated about climate change, or if the general public just chooses
not to think about it. I will be using this source in my paper to asses how much
knowledge the general population has about Global Warming.
Mosedale,
Jonathan R et al. “Climate Change and Crop Exposure to Adverse Weather: Changes
to Frost Risk and Grapevine Flowering Conditions.” Public Library of Science 10.10 (2015): 1-17. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This article examines
the effects of Climate Change on grape vineyards. The warmer weather is
beneficial to the grapes. However, the risk of late spring frosts could be
devastating. Since Global Warming is making it increasingly more difficult to
predict the weather, especially for predictions into the far future. It is
becoming more and more important to get information for predicting weather
patterns that are as accurate as possible. I will use this article along with
the others that refer to changes in plant ecology to drive home the point that
nothing about our planet is safe from changing as a result of warming. It is
especially scary when it affects our food sources.
Park, Chang-Eui et al. "Regional Variations in Potential Plant
Habitat Changes in Response to Multiple Global Warming Scenarios." Journal of Climate 28.7 (2015):
2884-2900. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 20 Oct. 2015.
I will use
this article in order to compare regions of changing ecology, plant life, and
precipitation migration. Concentrations of certain types of plant life around
the globe will change in response to changing precipitation patterns. This
source examines global vegetation and habitat changes in the near future, and
ones which are drastically changing at the moment. Africa, for example, is
predicted to change its habitat 10% by 2028. This poses a problem to areas that
people have occupied for a long period of time. Gathering food, finding water,
and other resources. It will also pose a threat to animals, especially those
that cannot adapt to the new environment.
Pega,
Frank et al. “Climate change, cash transfers and health.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 93.8 (2015): 559-566. CINAHL Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
This article suggests
using our current Climate Change related disasters cash transfer relief program
and tweaking it for a more proactive approach. Instead of giving cash transfers to people only when something bad
happens and they are in need of compensation, it suggests using this cash
transfer program to reward people for engaging in carbon reduction activities.
This can be taking a bike to work instead of driving. Providing a cash transfer
to communities that decide to move themselves out of harm’s way from Climate
Change deterring requirement for compensation in the future as a result of a
lost home or investments.
Shi, Xiaoming et al. "Estimating the Response of
Extreme Precipitation over Midlatitude Mountains to Global Warming." Journal
of Climate 28.10 (2015): 4246-4263 . Academic
Search Premier. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.
The data compiled in this article observes an
increase in the amount of precipitation on mountains in this area, and a shift
from snow to more rain. The fact that this area is receiving more
precipitation than normal while others are receiving less should help convince
readers that wind currents really are changing. I will use this article to
articulate a circumstance of a place on Earth differing from other regions
which are losing precipitation by showing one that is receiving increased
precipitation.
Wang, Jinsong et al. "Characteristics of
Drought Disaster-Causing Factor Anomalies in Southwestern and Southern China
against the Background of Global Warming." Polish Journal of
Environmental Studies 24.5 (2015): 2241-2252 . Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Oct. 2015
A good contrast
between drought in North America, and China. This article includes climate
observations of 129 meteorological stations in southwestern and southern
China from 1961 to 2012. The effect of this article being observations made
in China can help drive home the point that envirnonmental change is occuring
everywhere, and that is what I will focus on twith this article.
Wang, Xiuquan et al.
"Ensemble Projections of Regional Climatic Changes over Ontario,
Canada." Journal of Climate
28.18 (2015): 7327-7347. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
This article contains data collected from 1950
until present day to predict changes in temperature and precipitation in
parts of Canada up to 2099. This will certainly affect Americans, especially
those living in the mid-west, who experience vast extremes of temperature
from summer to winter as a result of cold air either moving south through the
US or not. Precipitation as well as temperature are expected to increase
drastically in the next 30 years. I will use this source to highlight the
changes in precipitation and temperature that our close neighbors are
currently experiencing and have been taking data samples of for over 50
years. It will also be nice to use their predictions for the next 100 years
based on the data they have already collected.
Wei, Meng et al. "A Quantitative Definition of
Global Warming Hiatus and 50-Year Prediction of Global-Mean Surface
Temperature." Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 72.8 (2015):
3281-3290. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
The authors of this journal investigate
the planets normal warming and cooling periods taking into account the
warming period we are currently in and comparing it with those in the past.
They talkabout the steady warming our planet is experiencing as a result of
carbon emissions and the greenhouse effect. One piece of evidence many
Climate Change disputers use is the fact that the Earth is currently in a
natural warming period. This source provides evidence that the warming period
alone is not enough to explain the rise in temperature we are experiencing.
This last point is the part of the article I am going to use to argue against
the misconception that Global Warming is a farce because the Earth naturally
warms and cools.
Howard-Grenville, Jennifer et al. "Climate Change and
Management." Academy of Management
57.3 (2014): 615-624. Business Source
Premier. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Article talks about how climate
change may impact the management industry. Social impacts of ocean
acidification, and coastal flooding. Transformation of global economy and
warnings about climate change issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. It has several graphs and lots of temperature data collected
on the Earth’s surface. I will use this article to show another example of
effects of Global Warming as well as another author who has accepted Climate
Change as fact and is now preparing to do the best they can to prepare for
the current situation.
Zappa,
Giuseppe et al. “Improving Climate Change Detection through Optimal Seasonal
Averaging: The Case of the North Atlantic Jet and European Precipitation.” Journal of Climate 28.16 (2015): 6381-6398.
Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 Nov.
2015.
This article examines
the changing weather patterns and how this impacts the accurate detection of
climate Change. It suggests that the change can be more accurately measured
when considering the affect that Climate Change has had on the seasons. The
North Atlantic jet is extending eastward into Europe because of ocean warming.
This source contains many maps and weather patterns. I will use this source
along with the others I have compiled on changing weather patterns to try to
summarize the change for us now and in the near future.
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