Reference no: EM133484812

Assignment

For many of you, this will be a recognizable topic. It has been studied by scientists, presented at professional conferences, discussed at the United Nations, espoused in the media, and championed and/or discarded by politicians.

There is no doubt that greenhouse gases are increasing in the atmosphere. This occurrence increases the absorption of terrestrial radiation and warms the air. Consequently, warmer air increases the amount of water vapor the atmosphere can hold, yielding even more absorption of infrared radiation. However, this also may lead to increased condensation and greater cloud cover. More clouds could reflect more solar energy and cool the planet.

Many people believe that without major cutbacks in emissions from the use of fossil fuels, the atmosphere will continue to warm, negatively impacting numerous aspects of life on Earth. Others believe the atmosphere is too big to react in such a manner and that the changes observed in the atmosphere are mostly due to natural variability.

Any proposal to decrease emissions is costly. Other than nuclear, there is no energy source today that can provide the planet with sufficient sustainable energy when desired. It is unreasonable to believe that humans will decrease their comforts to avoid increasing energy-generated emissions. Rather, it is far more likely that overall energy demand worldwide will only increase, especially as underdeveloped countries show their desire to participate in the comforts of the developed world.

Step I: Research global warming

Leverage resources from this course as well as the Internet to learn the positions of both sides of the global warming debate. Identify at least two high quality resources on both sides of the debate.

Step II: Explain each side of the debate

Almost everyone agrees that global warming is occurring, but not everyone agrees that such change is human-induced or that the consequences will necessarily be calamitous.

Explain each side of the debate completely and objectively. Cite your research sources in your text and reference them properly.

Step III: Choose a side and defend it

Base your conclusions on your research and what you have learned in the course.

Step IV: Outline a course of action

Describe a path you believe the world should take to mitigate the situation. Realize that all your suggested actions will have consequences. Thus, think about your choices carefully. Assess the realistic ends and efficiency of the ideas you promote. Take into consideration the political, economic, social, environmental, and safety aspects of your proposals.