Climate+Change

= = by Casey Cafego (3), Haley Quinn (4), Lexi W (5), Savannah Krull (6)

=__Overview__.= [|Global warming] is become a major issue in our society. Some believe another ice-age will result from global warming, and others believe our earth's nature, and environment will be destroyed beyond repair. Global warming is the idea, of our earth's temperature increasing more and more every year while our polar ice caps melt, and natural habitats get destroyed. Most importantly global warming has many different viewpoints.

Global warming has been a nationwide issue. A heatwave in June 1988, James E. Hansen Director of Space Studies at NASA shows global warming as a result of greenhouse gases and that gas emissions are changing earth's climate. The first report on climate change was in June 2000. The report was called, "Climate Change in American." It stated global warming causes disappearing Alpine meadows, coastal wetlands, barrier islands, and a rise in diseases. Earth's temperature started out as a rise of 1 degree and has rose to 4 degree__s__ in the last century. One solution is described to be, Reduction and Adaption. The question isn't where the climate will change, it's how much, how fast and where it changes. As long as there's humans, CO2 will be released into the atmosphere. Thomas J Crowley, a geologist at Texas A and M University found that "Natural variability plays only a subsidiary role... Most rise is due to the anthropogenic increase in greenhouse gases. Mary L. Walker believes Nuclear power is a solution to global warming. It's cleaner and more smog reducing than oil. She also believes we have to turn to non fossil energies such as, solar, wind, hydro power, geothermal, biomass, and nuclear. If climate change does not change then, sea level will rise 15-95 centimeters by 2100.

Global warming occurs when the sun's energy enters our atmosphere in the form of UV rays and heats our earth surface. With the help of our earths ozone some of the heat remains within our atmosphere. The remaining UV rays are then reflected back into space (Gore, 21). This is a natural process that is needed to heat our earth. The problem we are now encountering that is causing global warming, is the increase in [|greenhouse gas] emissions. As we release more greenhouse gases into our atmosphere such as CO2 emissions and methane gases, we increase the thickness of our ozone layer (25). Now when the heat waves are being reflected into space, more heat waves remain in our atmosphere than ever before because our ozone layer is too thick for the waves to travel through (21). This process is similar to how a greenhouse works.

Greenhouse gases are fueling global warming. Many argue that global warming is just a natural cycle, but there is no way of denying that our increase in greenhouse gas production is harming our environment. 60% of the methane gas located in our atmosphere is produced by humans through livestock, landfills, the burning of fossil fuels, and more (Gore, 51). The most common gas we have produced as humans is [|CO2]. In 1958 our atmosphere had 280 parts per million CO2. In 2005 our atmosphere had 381 parts per million CO2 (36). The reason why this matters to our planet and society is because the slight increases of our worlds temperature is causing massive glaciers to melt, and sea levels to rise.

2005 was the hottest day our nation has seen since the Civil War, not to mention all the cities setting records for high temperatures. The Northern Hemisphere is now hotter than it has ever been in the past 1000 years (Gore, 64). Also in the summer of 2003 Europe was hit by a massive heat wave that killed roughly 35,000 people (74). Some of our worlds most vital glaciers have melted or have already disappeared. Glaciers such as [|Boulder Glacier], [|Upsala Glacier], [|Adamello Glacier], and many more important glaciers are gone (51). The Himalayan Glaciers and the Tibetan Plateau contain 100 times the amount of ice found in the Alps, and within 50 years, all of that ice is expected to melt due to global warming. The reason why this is important to our society, is that those two glaciers provide drinking water for up to 40% of our world's population (58). The melting of the glaciers is also causing a ripple effect because glaciers reflect 80% of UV rays ( "Polar Regions Climate Change", 1). Now that the glaciers are disappearing more UV rays are absorbed by our earth and causing global warming to excel. Another issue is the glaciers, especially the ice caps, which are home to many animals that are now dying more than ever (Mathias, 1).

Glaciers melting is a large issue on it's own, but it is also causing sea level rising. Our ocean is said to now rise 1mm to 2mm every year due to glaciers melting (Mathias,1). Costal areas such as [|Florida] and [|New York City], will be submerged in water (Gore, 204). Sea level rising will not only affect our world geographically. Many animals and living organism depend on the water, and it's temperature which will rise if the glaciers melt. [|Coral reefs will begin to die]as they will not receive enough sunlight through the deeper water. Fish who need the cold water temperatures to survive will begin to die off, killing other species such as the birds that eat them to die off (Mathias, 2).

Through many studies it is clear to most that we are abusing our world, at a rate that may be irrecoverable. With new technology, we have the option to either help our climate dramatically or destroy it (Gore, 268). A common example of us using our technology to destroy our climate is, irrigation. Today we see massive irrigation systems that divert entire rivers to water crops. The [|Areal Sea] is now virtually empty from the Soviet Union using it for irrigation (Gore, 245). That's why our world, and more specifically our nation, needs to halt the destruction of our environment. [|The United States has more carbon emissions than any other country,] and nearly twice the amount of carbon emissions as Europe (261).

There is still a constant [|debate] about whether global warming is actually occurring, but still 97% of climate experts believe in global warming and climate change (Arguments From Global Warming, 1). Of the 3% that don't they argue, that our climate has gone through changes like this before, for example an [|ice age]. Science responds by saying that human activity is increasing the speed in which it will occur though (1). Another popular argument found among skeptics is that [|plants and animals can adapt] to a warmer climate. Science says other wise and that life can't adapt on such a short time scale (1). The list of skeptics theories continues with "We're headed into an ice age," "There is no consensus," and "[|Climate sensitivity is low]."

In conclusion, the [|debate over global warming] will never end. There is strong evidence showing that global warming is occurring. But, there are also many who doubt the idea of global warming. Global warming is becoming a major [|political issue], and our society is beginning to form around concepts like alternative energy and saving natural habitats and wildlife. As explained in many articles and papers, change must come as we only have one world. An easy way to grasp the one world idea, is relating it to the Pixar film //Wall-E//, in which humans are forced to live in space after they take advantage of our worlds delicate environment. Whether you grasp the idea through a movie, or a research paper, it's important that you and our world is aware.

__[|There is Evidence that] __ proves Global warming is real and it is happening. This website basically states that climate change happens and in the last 650,000 years there have been seven cycles of glacial retreat. The last ice age was about 7,000 years ago, which marked the beginning of the modern climate change. It is still unsure if humans are causing global warming or if it is a natural occurrence. The evidence that proves this is the sea level rising (which has rose 6.7 inches in the past century), warming of oceans (the water traps the heat), shrinking ice sheets (NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show that between 2002 and 2006, Greenland lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometers of ice per year, while Antarctica lost about 152 cubic kilometers of ice between 2002 and 2005), Declining sea ice, and ocean acidification. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recentcc.html
 * Studies show that carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to human activities has contributed to the rise of the earth's temperature
 * Climate changes effects Sea level, Atmosphere changes, Ocean acidification, land changes, and storm and precipitation changes.
 * References- [|IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis]
 * The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded in 2007 that warming of the climate system is now “unequivocal,” based on observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level
 * There are many opposing viewpoints on this topic, and this site shows both sides verifying it with information.
 * There are many opposing viewpoints on this topic, and this site shows both sides verifying it with information.

• [] • Many argue that rising global temperatures are due to human consumption and emission of carbon dioxide. • With ice caps melting, and the possibility of changing weather patterns and rising water levels, governments around the world seek to agree upon and solve the perceived problem through the adjustment of consumption. • Others believe caps on emissions and forced changes will create economic disasters.


 * Global Warming by James Haley
 * The first theory of global warming was that carbon dioxide emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels would cause the Earths temperatures to rise by trapping extra heat in the atmosphere.
 * Climate change could be a serious threat resulting in extreme weather events such as heat waves, wind storms and droughts.
 * "Scientists generally believe that the combustion of fossil fuels and other human activities...are likely to accelerate the rate of climate change" - United Sates Environmental Protection agency, January 18 2001.
 * If global warming happens the book predicts the lost of coastal wetlands and barrier islands, a loss of alpine meadows and a dangerous increase of insect-borne diseases.
 * Researchers found that the absorption of heat in deep oceans had covered up the fact that the temperature of the planet was rising for the past forty years.
 * There are historical records that show that the climate has been changing for the past 100 years.


 * http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basicinfo.html
 * U.S. Climate Policy: The Federal Government has put together programs to help reduce emissions, promote climate technology and also to promote science.
 * Greenhouse gases are used to keep our planet warm but too much of them could be a bad thing. For the past 200 years the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have cause the trapping of the gases to increase.
 * The Earths average temperature increased by more than 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit.


 * http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/basics/index.html
 * the world is always changing
 * you can see weather and seasons change but you can't watch the climate change
 * global warming is making the earth warmer.
 * Humans are causing global warming by releasing greenhouse gases (which are mostly from the burning of fossil fuels) into the atmosphere
 * the hot temperatures of the earth are causing ice to thin and glaciers to melt away (this can cause the extinction of animals)
 * Earth's land, are, and water are all linked with the climate

=__Source Annotation__= http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
 * Summary:** This website has evidence that backs up the theory of Global Warming. It shows graphs from previous years and explains how and why temperature rises.
 * Assess:** This is website has really good information! It shows where they got the information and gives good, hard evidence on global issues. It shows different types of evidence as well.
 * Reflect:** This would be a good website to use when doing a research paper because it gives lots of facts and shows graphs instead of opinions. I really like this website.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange It also gives a basic understanding on causes and effects of climate change.
 * Summary:** This website provides information on climate change for communities, individuals, businesses, states, localities, and governments.
 * Assess**: EPA is a good site because it shows past, present, and future changes of climate. The website also has references from NASA, IPCC, and NOAA.
 * Reflect:** You can use this source to find out what you can do to help and see what's happening around the world with climate change or to just better educate yourself.

Haley James, Global Warming, Greenhaven Press INC, San Diego, California 2002
 * Summary**: The book talks about the opposing viewpoints of global warming on topics such as if global warming poses a serious threat or not.
 * Assess**: The information is good for forming an opinion on global warming by getting two sides of the story.
 * Reflect**: You could use this book about forming an opinion on global warming.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange.basicinfo.html, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 5/7/11
 * Summary**: The site provides information such as the U.S. Climate Policy, greenhouse gas emissions, health and environmental effects and also ideas of what you can do to help.
 * Assess**: This website keeps it simple and too the point so its easy to understand but it also has a lot of good information.
 * Reflect**: You coud use this site to find out about climate change and what you could do to help.

http://www.thegreatwarming.com/pdf/climatechangefactshee.pdf Facts about climate change 5/8/11
 * Summary**: Some of the information this website provides is facts about climate change and what it is, the green house effect and it talks about why global warming might be the wrong term used.
 * Assess**: The site has good information and lists things so its easy to find what you want to read about.
 * Reflect**: You might use this site to look up facts about climate change, global warming, and the green house effect.

Gore, Al. An Inconvenient Truth. Rodale. Emmaus PA. 2006. Print.
 * Summary**: //An Inconvenient Truth// is a non-fiction text, that speaks of global warming, it's effects on our world, and how we can stop it. The book starts off with a great introduction that explains global warming well with the use of statistics and good graphics. The book speaks a lot about, glaciers and their effect on our world as they continue to melt. The book also goes in depth into global warming and its affect on wildlife and future predictions for our world if we continue at this rate.
 * Assess**:The information in this book is very detailed and easy to comprehend. The book covers just the major points mainly using statistics and then supports its assertions with using pictures and graphs. The book is also well organized in a way that is easy to follow. The only disadvantage of the book is the yellow sections that have some of Al Gore's experiences and their connections to global warming. I usually skip over them as they are tedious to read, and don't usually have great information just opinions. I do feel like the book does have a little bit of a political agenda though.
 * Reflect**: This source is great for statistics to help enhance your Wikispace, and to add interesting facts. The book is also good for major points that you can look into online for more details.

"Polar Regions. Climate Change - Health and Environmental Effects. U.S. EPA." //United States Environmental Protection Agency.// Web. 10 May 2011.
 * Summary**: This article from the EPA talks about the polar regions and how the ice caps are beginning to melt more rapidly. The article was split into two sections, The Arctic and Antarctica. It had good facts and also good animations to help you visualize the melting of the polar ice caps.
 * Assess**: The information was good, and appeared to be accurate but there wasn't very much information. The references at the bottom of the page helped me get more in depth articles though.
 * Reflect**: This website will be very useful as a hyperlink because it's graphs and animations are great for visuals. The rest of the website is also good, and has a lot of information but just the article alone wasn't extremely helpful for providing lots of details.

Haley, James. Global Warming. Daniel Leone. San Diego, 2002. Print
 * Summary**: This book gives really good information. It describes different viewpoints on global warming. They are backed up with statistics and information.
 * Assess**: The information seemed accurate in this book because there were graphs to prove theories and there was a lot of different people such as geologists, scientists, and professors that approved theories and information.
 * Reflect**: This book would be helpful towards people who don't know where they stand on the Global warming issues. It would also be good for writing a paper or just to learn more about it.

Mathias, Kevin. "The Effects Of Melting Ice Glaciers." //Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web//. Web. 17 May 2011.
 * Summary**: This website gives a basic overview on how our worlds glaciers are disappearing and how global warming is contributing to the massive glacier loss. The website also touches on how the wildlife will be affected by the glaciers melting, and lastly how sea levels will rise and cause flooding.
 * Assess**: The information appears to be valid, but a credited author may help me feel more reassured.
 * Reflect**: This website is very helpful for giving a basic outline of the effect melting glaciers have on our world. I felt like the information wasn't anything extraordinary though, as I have seen similar information and statistics already.

"Arguments from Global Warming Skeptics and What the Science Really Says." //Skeptical Science: Examining Global Warming Skepticism.// Web. 22 May 2011.
 * Summary:** This website has commonly used skeptic concepts to why global warming isn't occurring and then refutes them with science. There are over 100, statements that are refuted by science.
 * Assess:** The website doesn't have an author which makes me curious if the statistics are valid. The website is easy to use and navigate which gives me a feeling that it is a professional website with valid information.
 * Reflect:** This website will be helpful in bringing in other viewpoints, and the also the science that shows support towards climate change.

"Our Planet's Climate is Changing." OneWorld.net's Kids Channel. 19 May 2011. __[]__
 * Summary:** This website is really helpful for basic facts and details about climate change. It answers basic questions, and introduces the basic idea of global warming and how the earth is changing.
 * Assess:** I believe this is good, valid information because it is a ".net" website. It appears to be good, helpful, valuid information from a trusted website; oneclimate.net
 * Reflect:** This information is good if you are looking for a basic overview on global warming. It is a kids website, so it gives you basic information. But it answers a lot of questions about climate change and gives good basic information.

=__Reflections and Conclusions__= There is so many different opinions and theories on Global Warming and lots of information that backs up both. Either way, it is a huge problem going on in our society and people don't seem to take it as serious as it really is. I've learned a lot about the effects of climate change. Also, i learned about all the different ways humans can changes their habits to help lower the CO2 that is released into the air. What i found really interesting was that there are satellites that orbit the earth that observes the atmosphere, ice, oceans, and vegetation. I've realized we have so much information on climate change, we just need to act upon it. In my opinion, after reading opinions and such, i still believe Global Warming is a natural occurrence.

I have heard many different opinions about climate change and global warming. From one of the books I read there were two different view points on global warming. Some people thought that it was effecting our climate and that it was a problem and others thought that it wasn't hurting our environment and that we didn't have to worry about it as much as we are. Do you guys think that global warming is the main issue in climate change and it's something we need to worry about?

After spending over 2 weeks researching climate change and global warming, I am very convinced that it is a major issue in our society and that it needs to be addressed. Through this assignment I was able to go more in depth to the science aspects of global warming along with the political and global impact. I learned most importantly the ripple effect of global warming. How it begins with human activity, then leads to effects such as glaciers melting, then sea level rising and final destruction of our environment. Reflecting on the actual idea and purpose of the project, I believe it's a great way to do group work, but experience independence at the same time. The concept of also being able to add videos, images, and hyperlinks also helps to produce a better and more useful paper in today's society.

Throughout this whole research process, I have learned that the climate is alwasy changing. And Global Warming is a serious topic with many different opinions. Some believe that Global Warming will end our world, while some think it is a huge myth. Some believe the earth is heating, others belive it is cooling. There are no real answers or proven information that show whether Global Warming is real or not. It depends on your opinion. I do belive that Global Warming is real, and it is serious. After research, I have learned that Global Warming is caused by humans releasing green house gases into the atmosphere which are heating the earth and warming our earth.

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=__Works Cited__=

Haley, James. Global Warming. Daniel Leone. San Diego, 2002. Print

Amber, Jenkins. NASA. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/. 2009. . __http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recenttc.html__

__[]__

Gore, Al. An Inconvenient Truth. Rodale. Emmaus PA. 2006. Print.

Haley, James. Global Warming. Daniel Leone. San Diego, 2002. Print

Mathias, Kevin. "The Effects Of Melting Ice Glaciers." //Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web//. Web. 17 May 2011.

"Polar Regions. Climate Change - Health and Environmental Effects. U.S. EPA." //United States Environmental Protection Agency.// Web. 10 May 2011.

"Arguments from Global Warming Skeptics and What the Science Really Says." //Skeptical Science: Examining Global Warming Skepticism. // Web. 22 May 2011.

Climate Change for Kids. Our Planet's Climate is Changing. Oneclimate.net. 18 May 2011.

Climate Change. United States Enviromental Protection Agency. Print As-Is. 22 April 2011.18 May 2011.