Running head: HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE?

How Damaged Could It Be?

Erin Earle

Arizona State University

HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 2

Abstract

Climate change devours a majority of the media with recent scientific findings. The earth

has been kissed by the devastating nurture of humankind. The debate of nature versus nurture has

consumed the field of psychology for decades, but the debate is present in the analysis of the

treatment of the planet as much as in children. This paper explores the contributing factors to the

increased damage on the environment and the plausible solutions to a limitation of the different

sources of greenhouse gases. Within the research, the effects of the intended audience will be

examined with the supporting evidence to create an unbiased, unweighted analysis of the

problem of global warming. The analysis will contribute to verifying data and solidifying the

danger of continued climate change. The primary challenge in my proposal addresses the

different solutions’ capacity to limit greenhouse gas production. Climate change solutions’

acceleration is demanded, while the production of greenhouse gasses should be obliged to

decelerate.

Keywords​: greenhouse gas effects, climate change solutions, global warming

HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 3

How Damaged Could It Be?

Section 1, Introduction

Within our society today, global warming because apparent. One of the main causes of

global warming is caused by the overpopulation and pollution caused by humans. This is

important because it determines the livability of the earth for future generations, including my

generation. This presentation is meant to develop the importance of global warming and the

solutions available in this time. I am interested in this topic because of the relevancy in my life

and the future which I will be presented with. I am particularly interested in the development of

the solutions needed in order for the earth to be sustainable for life in the upcoming decades.

Section 2, Annotated Bibliography

Bernow, Stephen, et al. “America's Global Warming Solutions.” ​Tellus Institute​, World Wildlife

Fund and Energy Foundation, Aug. 1999, climateshift.com/downloads/solution.pdf.

America’s Global Warming Solutions provides information of the costs of climate disruption and

the consequent Framework Convention Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol. Within the article,

it explains the United States contribution in climate protection through leading in economic

strength and technological innovation. From research findings, policies and measures to decrease

climate change, would also in change, produce net economic savings to households, businesses

and the economy. These policies would require greater use of efficient and low energy

technologies. Use of these policies would bring many benefits as well. It is said to reduce

emissions in the air, and allow for an influx of innovation and modernizations that in turn

stimulate the economy.

HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 4

The authors are sufficiently successful at persuading the power of the United States on the power

of influence to change global warming. The article comes from the Economic Research

Associates in a study for World Wildlife Fund and Energy Foundation, adding more credibility

to the article. Within the article, the information is set in a rhetorically sound format, having a

table of contents available at the beginning of the study. The extent at which my knowledge was

expanded, was greatly in terms of the U.S. Climate Policies, specifically with the Kyoto

Protocol. The results were especially impactful to compare to the other research findings.

Quotations: “Among its provisions, the Protocol establishes binding greenhouse gas emissions

targets for the period 2008- 2012 for the industrialized (Annex I) countries.” “The Kyoto

Protocol provides a comprehensive and integrated framework for GHG mitigation

responsibilities and actions; but it takes only a small first step towards the level of reductions

needed to stabilize the earth’s climate.” “The U.S., with its high energy use and carbon

emissions, its great economic resources, and its traditions and capabilities for technological

innovation, could provide leadership on all fronts.”

Callery, Susan. “Climate Change Causes: A Blanket around the Earth.” ​NASA​, NASA, 21 Mar.

2019, climate.nasa.gov/causes/.

Within the development of the article about the blanket around the earth, scientists develop the

understanding of the contributors to global warming. Three main subjects discussed are the
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 5

greenhouse effect, the role of human activity, and solar irradiance. The main gases that block the

heat from escaping the earth’s surface are water vapor (H​2​O), nitrous oxide (N​2​O), methane

(CH​4​), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and carbon dioxide (CO​2​). Water vapor is important, as it

reacts either physically or chemically to the changes in temperature. Solar irradiance has

increased, but the only layer affected is the ozone layers below the greenhouse gases.

The author is part of the esteem research team at NASA. The source is successful at persuading

the position of greenhouse gases being the biggest contributor over solar irradiance. NASA is a

credible organization with reasonable qualifications for interpreting the greenhouse gases in the

atmosphere and climate change of the earth. The article reads as rhetorically sound through the

sectioning of the greenhouse gas effect versus the idea of solar irradiance being large contributor.

This source has assisted my learning to include the side of climate change stating solar irradiance

as being a possible contributor. It has also been able to reaffirm previous findings of greenhouse

gases trapping the heat close to the earth.

Quotations: “Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation

overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.” “If the

warming were caused by a more active Sun, then scientists would expect to see warmer

temperatures in all layers of the atmosphere. Instead, they have observed a cooling in the upper

atmosphere, and a warming at the surface and in the lower parts of the atmosphere. That's

because greenhouse gases are trapping heat in the lower atmosphere.”

HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 6

Jacobson, Mark Z. “Review of Solutions to Global Warming, Air Pollution, and Energy

Security.” ​Energy & Environmental Science​, Royal Society of Chemistry, 1 Dec. 2008,

doi.org/10.1039/B809990C.

In the “Review of Solutions”, Mark Z. Jacobson (2008) analyzes the solutions to global

warming, air pollution, and energy security. The situation addressed in the source is comparing

and contrasting the different efforts in place to combat the different sources of greenhouse gas

production. There are nine electric power sources and two liquid fuel options which are

considered for definite solutions in order to be applied on a mass scale around the world. Each of

these contrasts and comparisons includes consideration to impacts of the solutions on water

supply, land use, wildlife, resource availability, reliability, thermal pollution, water pollution,

nuclear proliferation, and undernutrition. The position of this author is non-bias due to the

implications of the paper solely being a contrast and comparison. The thesis remains to compare

the solutions to global warming.

Jacobson is highly successful at persuading the thesis to be reasonable, credible, and rhetorically

sound. The analysis was broadened by the references to the specific sources of solutions and

their effects. Jacobson specializes in the department of civil and environmental engineering from

Stanford University, giving more credibility to decipher the various climate change solutions in

terms of efficiency and accurate ability to limit global warming. The source has extended my

understanding completely about the issue of global warming solutions. Previous to reading

Jacobson’s research, I was ignorant to many of the possible global warming solutions and the
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 7

ability of funding to help with a dramatic decrease of the damage already acquired from human

activity.

Quotations: “The overall rankings of the combinations (from highest to lowest) were (1)

wind-powered battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), (2) wind-powered hydrogen fuel cell vehicles,

(3) concentrated-solar-powered-BEVs, (4) geothermal-powered-BEVs, (5) tidal-powered-BEVs,

(6) solar-photovoltaic-powered-BEVs, (7) wave-powered-BEVs, (8)

hydroelectric-powered-BEVs, (9-tie) nuclear-powered-BEVs, (9-tie)

coal-with-carbon-capture-powered-BEVs, (11) corn-E85 vehicles, and (12) cellulosic-E85

vehicles.” “Because sufficient clean natural resources (e.g., wind, sunlight, hot water, ocean

energy, etc.) exist to power the world for the foreseeable future, the results suggest that the

diversion to less-efficient (nuclear, coal with carbon capture) or non-efficient (corn- and

cellulosic E85) options represents an opportunity cost that will delay solutions to global warming

and air pollution mortality.”

National Geographic. (2007, May 18). Global Warming 101. Retrieved April 5, 2019, from

https://youtu.be/oJAbATJCugs

National geographic gives a commentary about the basics of global warming. The situation

addressed in the source is the human activity that has led to the process of global warming.

During the industrial revolution began the mass use of fossil fuels. Continuing, the fossil fuels

burned release large amounts of greenhouse gases. All of these gases attribute to the greenhouse
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 8

effect which is intensifying by the extra greenhouse gases produce every day. Global Warming is

very evident to all scientists, but there is a uncertainty to the subsequent effects it will have on

the earth. Some climate models only predict the rise of temperatures to be subtle changes, while

others forecast mass severe weather patterns and an inability to adapt to the conditions.

Global warming being attributed to human activity was successfully rhetorically sound. National

Geographic holds a high standard of scientific findings to be accurate and concise. Adequate

research was put into the findings of the informative video and the sub-topics within it. The

video was largely responsible for extending my understanding of the other perspectives on global

warming and the specific contributions to it. The most reasonable point touched on was the

process of global warming beginning from the use of fossil fuels in factories, cars, and other man

made processes. Previously, my knowledge was inadequate in accurately describing how the

greenhouse effect is created and how it allows for the earth to increase in temperature.

Quotations: “Ever since the industrial revolution began, factories, power plants, and eventually

cars have burned fossil fuels such as oil and pole releasing huge amounts of carbon dioxide and

other gases into the atmosphere.” “Scientists now believe that the greenhouse effect is being

intensified by the extra greenhouse gases that humans have released.”

National Geographic. (2017, August 28). Causes and Effects of Climate Change. Retrieved April

04, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4H1N_yXBiA

HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 9

Within the source, it describes the the causes and effects of climate change, specifically in

relation to the greenhouse effect. National Geographic describes the contributing factors of the

greenhouse effect as the more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the more heat from the sun

gets trapped, increasing the earth’s temperature. The human activity of using fossil fuels has

increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere is one of the main causes of the

increases temperature. Consequences of climate change include changes to our oceans, weather,

food sources and health. While humans are the ones that cause the most climate change, they can

also be the biggest combats with simple switches to renewable energy and preventable measures.

National Demographic persuaded me successfully in understanding the causes and effects of

climate change due to the greenhouse effect. The use of information entices the audience to

examine their use of fossil fuels in order to decrease the consequences of climate control. The

position is portrayed as reasonable and credible through the sequence of knowledge being

shared. This source is effectively successful at extending my understanding to include other

perspectives of consequences of climate change. It has also extended my knowledge about my

issue as a whole in teaching me about the greenhouse gases and the solutions starting with

humans making small changes in their day to day lives.

Quotations: “Human activities from pollution to overpopulation are driving up the earth’s

temperature and fundamentally changing the world around us.” “While Earth’s climate has

fluctuated in the past, atmospheric carbon dioxide hasn’t reached today’s levels in hundreds of

thousands of years.” “Humans are also the ones who can combat it if we work to replace fossil
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 10

fuels with renewable energy sources, like solar or wind which don’t produce greenhouse gas

emissions, we might still be able to prevent some of the worst effects of climate change.”

Nordell, Bo. “Thermal Pollution Causes Global Warming.” ​Global and Planetary Change,​

Science Direct, 3 Sept. 2003, doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8181(03)00113-9.

Within the research, Bo Nordell examines the earth temperatures and effectors. Using

mathematics to explain the increases in temperatures due to the usage of nonrenewable energy on

the environment. The areas discussed are global temperature, net heat sources, earth’s radiative

balance, and nature counteracts global warming. The situation addressed in the source is the

human use of energy, specifically nonrenewable. All energy is eventually transferred to heat, but

the excess nonrenewable energy burned has resulted in the production of thermal pollution. It

also suggests limiting carbon dioxide emissions would not reduce the global net heat generation.

The author is highly persuasive with the informations stung in a rhetorically sound formatting.

The thesis of net heat generation needing to be the main focus of global warming is significantly

established and reasonable. The author reveals to be credible through those who reference his

work and his degree from Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. Listed in the research

paper are all of the calculations to reach the conclusion of the effect of nonrenewable sources,

along with the building of reason through the process of thought leading to the conclusion. The

addition of all of his mathematical findings allow for individual observation of information. The
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 11

source has efficiently contributed to my understanding of the idea of net heat production and that

effect on the climate change due to increase human activity using nonrenewable energy.

Quotations: “There are two major net heat sources on Earth: the geothermal heat flow and net

heating generated by human activities.” “The global mean temperature at ground surface is 33.1

K warmer than the effective Earth temperature, demonstrating the thermally insulating qualities

of the atmosphere.” “Natural cold sinks in water, ground, and atmosphere slow down the effect

of thermal pollution. The main sources of natural cold are in water and ice.”

Park, D. J. (2018). United States news media and climate change in the era of US President

Trump. ​Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management,​ ​14​(2), 202-204.

doi:10.1002/ieam.2011

The article by David Park is about the media’s affect on the public visualization of climate

change. It warns about the decrease of media coverage on climate change following the election

of Donald Trump in the United States. The situation addressed in the source are four main

limitations that were present before the reign of Donald Trump about climate change. The four

include journalists desiring more relevant and advertisable stories to be in newspapers to get their

name recognized, sourcing problems in the newspapers allowing for articles written by skeptical

authors to be published first, the fossil fuels industry having power in the United States of

America, and a trend of “climate silence” in not mentioning climate change in the media. The

conclusion from the author simply states that the combination of these limitations contributes to
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 12

the people’s misunderstanding of the severity of the effects of climate change and the subsequent

government response--or lack of.

Within the article, David Park is highly successful at persuading his position on the four main

reason for the United States media coverage on climate change during the era of President

Donald Trump. It is portrayed as reasonable through the addition of the author’s reference page,

including substantial credible resources for each point. The paper also reveals a complete

argument of the four contributing factors to the media’s coverage on climate change. The article

has extended my understanding of other perspectives by increasing my knowledge about the

responsible factors to the media coverage. Following this article, I will include the influence of

these factors, specifically in reference to the fossil fuel industry’s hand in the lack of media

coverage.

Quotations: “As well as funding scientists, research, politicians, and organizations to question

global warming, they also publish skeptical books and lms, which tend to have a signicant

inuence on viewers’ opinions.” “One approach to improving climate coverage would involve

moving away from a predominantly commercial media system to one with a substantial

noncommercial component.” “The history of institutional policy change suggests nothing

happens easily or quickly. However, signicant support for addressing the climate crisis among

many civic and corporate groups appears to be increasing.”

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Section 3, Investigative Essay

How Damaged Could It Be?

Global Warming has a large effect on the efficiency of performance of the world. The

world has risen in net temperatures around the world, leading to the melting of ice caps, weather

abnormalities, and surface destruction of the earth. Through the dissection of the sources, the

analysis of human activity on the environment has been established.

The relationship behind the sources holds to be the analysis of human activity

contributing to greenhouse gases and the possible solutions to global warming. The greenhouse

gas effect was specifically defined through the National Geographic sources and the article from

NASA. Solutions to the problems of global warming are discussed in the remaining for sources,

each revealing a separate point of view in the journey. Within these articles, Bo Nordell

mathematically determines the root of the problem of global warming to be due to the excess

human activity of using nonrenewable energy sources, because of the thermodynamic truth of all

energy transfers to heat. While all of the sources conclude that increase human activity (i.e.

deforestation, pollution, transportation, etc) is the main root to climate change, “Thermal

Pollution Causes Global Warming” contradicted them to reveal and discuss the idea of

thermodynamics through energy usage. The article “America's Global Warming Solutions” is

also unique from the ones by discussing America’s approach to global warming through policies

and international agreements. Each of the articles complimented the other in developing a well

formulated idea to the process of how climate change occurred. “United States news media and

climate change in the era of US President Trump” by Park was the most sided of the articles
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 14

researched, revealing the lack of media coverage due to the fossil fuel industry’s hold over

capitalist America. The analysis of this article reveals much of the blinding in the American

culture and dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. It also develops the idea of

stakeholders in the act to change climate change.

Stakeholders are those who are affected by any change in a particular area. The main

stakeholders in the debate of climate change are the fossil fuel industry, nature (i.e. forests,

oceans, animals, the atmosphere, etc.), and the human population. Much of the problem with

combatting the situation of global warming lays in the connection between the fossil fuel

industry and the capitalist world of the human population. If the humans halt utilization of fossil

fuels, the industry would struggle to fund fracking and usage, but it is unlucky due to human

nature and the desire of power and wealth in society. Within the capitalist culture, wealth and

power comes through cars and large house ownership, which produce large greenhouse gas

emissions. Sequentially, human activity with egocentrism will likely lack the abilities to decrease

support of the fossil fuel industry and encourage global survival.

During the investigation of global warming, Nordell uncovered that the melting of ice is

regulating the warming effect of human heat energy production by cooling the ocean. The

sources suggest the problems and solutions of the climate change problem. Some claims that can

be made about the research information are as follows: the implementation of government policy

to use renewable energy could lead to the decreased thermal pollution from human activity and

more sustainable greenhouse gas emission regulation; adjusted funding from the fossil fuel

industry to renewable energy can combat more of the physical human pollution; decrease of

human egocentrism can lead to a consciousness of global effects of person global effects.
HOW DAMAGED COULD IT BE? 15

References

Bernow, Stephen, et al. “America's Global Warming Solutions.” ​Tellus Institute,​ World Wildlife

Fund and Energy Foundation, Aug. 1999, climateshift.com/downloads/solution.pdf.

Callery, Susan. “Climate Change Causes: A Blanket around the Earth.” ​NASA,​ NASA, 21 Mar.

2019, climate.nasa.gov/causes/.

Jacobson, Mark Z. “Review of Solutions to Global Warming, Air Pollution, and Energy

Security.” ​Energy & Environmental Science​, Royal Society of Chemistry, 1 Dec. 2008,

doi.org/10.1039/B809990C.

National Geographic. (2007, May 18). Global Warming 101. Retrieved April 5, 2019, from

https://youtu.be/oJAbATJCugs

National Geographic. (2017, August 28). Causes and Effects of Climate Change. Retrieved April

04, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4H1N_yXBiA

Nordell, Bo. “Thermal Pollution Causes Global Warming.” ​Global and Planetary Change,​

Science Direct, 3 Sept. 2003, doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8181(03)00113-9.

Park, D. J. (2018). United States news media and climate change in the era of US President

Trump. ​Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management,​ ​14​(2), 202-204.

doi:10.1002/ieam.2011