Global Warming: Fact or Fiction

Running Head: GLOBAL WARMING: FACT OR FICTION 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction

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Abstract

This report explores the topic of Global Warming in terms of the truth or falsehood surrounding its impact on environments worldwide.  Chronicles of the topic will be explored, along with arguments for and against solutions.  The purpose of this record is to inform members of Congress about the two opposing viewpoints on the subject. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction

Step I: Outline   

I. Background of Global Warming

 
         A. Impetus for the subject

 
               1. Arguments for the topic (facts, truth?)

 
               2. Arguments against the topic (fiction, false?)

 
 

 

Step II: 750-1000 Word Paper

 
 
   I. Background of Global Warming

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Climatic Data Center says, “One of the most vigorously debated topics on Earth is the issue of climate change, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) data centers are central to answering some of the most pressing global change questions that remain unresolved…” 

New York Times reporter says, “Global warming has become perhaps the most complicated issue facing world leaders. On the one hand, warnings from the scientific community are becoming louder, as an increasing body of science points to rising dangers from the ongoing buildup of human-related greenhouse gases — produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and forests. On the other, the technological, economic and political issues that have to be resolved before a concerted worldwide effort to reduce emissions can begin have gotten no simpler, particularly in the face of a global economic slowdown (Revkin, 2010).” 

According to EPA.gov, “The phrase 'climate change' is growing in preferred use to 'global warming' because it helps convey that there are changes in addition to rising temperatures.” 

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says, “Solving global warming will improve our lives by cleaning up air pollution while investing in clean energy, green jobs and smart energy solutions that get the U.S. economy moving again. We need to drive smarter cars, save money with energy efficient homes and offices, and build better communities and transportation networks.”          
 
 

A. Impetus for the subject  

1. Arguments for the topic (facts, truth?) 
   

NOAA says the climate has both warmed and other areas have become cooler.  “Global surface temperatures have increased about 0.74°C (plus or minus 0.18°C) since the late-19^th century, and the linear trend for the past 50 years of 0.13°C (plus or minus 0.03°C) per decade is nearly twice that for the past 100 years. The warming has not been globally uniform. Some areas (including parts of the southeastern U.S. and parts of the North Atlantic) have, in fact, cooled slightly over the last century.

The recent warmth has been greatest over North America and Eurasia between 40 and 70°N. Lastly, seven of the eight warmest years on record have occurred since 2001 and the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1995.” 

 

EPA.gov says, “For over the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping "greenhouse gases" to increase significantly in our atmosphere. These gases prevent heat from escaping to space, somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse. 

Greenhouse gases are necessary to life as we know it, because they keep the planet's surface warmer than it otherwise would be. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature is climbing above past levels. According to NOAA and NASA data, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4ºF in the last 100 years. The eight warmest years on record (since 1850) have all occurred since 1998, with the warmest year being 2005. Most of the warming in recent decades is very likely the result of human activities. Other aspects of the climate are also changing such as rainfall patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea level. 

If greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature at the Earth's surface could increase from 3.2 to 7.2ºF above 1990 levels by the end of this century. Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate. But they are not sure by how much it will change, at what rate it will change, or what the exact effects will be.” 

NRDC says, “Consequences of Global Warming: A warmer world will bring everything from dirtier air and water to more severe floods and droughts. Learn what we face unless we take action now.” 
 
 

2. Arguments against the topic (fiction, false?)

 

Yeatman (2009) says, “Global warming may or may not be a problem.  Man may or may not be driving it.  Given the uncertainties, a significant amount of global regret may apply if we divert too much of our global wealth to solving what may be a non-existent or trivial problem…” 

The Times: December 20, 2007 - The False certainties of climate change theory

“The distinction between climate change and man-made global warming has been lost in the media…” 

False Alarm: Why Everything We’ve Been Told is Wrong 

Global Warming False Alarm: The Bad Science Behind the United Nations’ Assertion that Man-made CO2 Causes Global Warming 

Tony Hake: Climate Change Examiner - British government's global warming ads banned for false warning of extreme weather 

Fumento (2010) says, “…they adopted the term “global climate change” so that any change in climate or even just weather - which obviously this is - can be portrayed as a result of man’s nefarious activities in putting greenhouse gases into the air. The report, incidentally, is from the National Wildlife Federation that makes money by promoting global warming in the same way that GM makes money selling trucks.” 

 Global Warming Hoax: A website dedicated to disproving the subject 
 
 
 

 

References

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Well in Every Business Situation (5th ed.). Oxford, UK: How To Books, Ltd. Retrieved from Netlibrary Database.  

Effective Writing: Hints for Effective Writing, Grammar, and Usage. Retrieved June 20, 2010

      from http://www.business.umt.edu/Faculty/herron/writing_hints.htm  

Forsyth, P. (2006). How to Write Reports & Proposals (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Kogan Page.

      Retrieved from Netlibrary Database. 

Outlining - Los Angeles Valley College: How to Write An Outline. Retrieved June 20, 2010 from

      http://www.lavc.edu/library/outline.htm  

Perdue University. OWL (2010). Retrieved June 20, 2010 from

      http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/