Week #9: March 11-17, 2013
In my own opinion climate change is somewhat a combination of the two influences, anthropogenic (manmade) and “natural.” Now I say this because I think the planet itself is always changing, but do I think mankind has sped up the process? Certainly. The agency that I would consider to have reputable sources for climate change information would definitely have to be EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). I say this because they don’t play the role of “no this is only natural, humans are not at fault” type of attitude. They’re straight forward, state the facts as well as what we can do to help make a change for the future. I found this on the basic information section of EPA’s website. “Rising global temperatures have been accompanied by changes in weather and climate. Many places have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. The planet's oceans and glaciers have also experienced some big changes - oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising.”
How can anyone say that is just natural? How climate change is portrayed in the media all depends on what news channel or television show you’re watching. I think all media is extremely biased, and sometimes I wish there was just a straight answer, no circling around the issues that we obviously need to face, since climate change affects everyone. It’s not just democratic liberals that should have to worry about it, it’s republicans and anyone else in between. I think after taking this course, as well as my three other environmental science courses I’ve realized how much I myself contribute to climate change. If attitudes don’t start to change about our environment and we don’t start looking into renewable and reusable energy sources I’m nervous I won’t ever get to the point of seeing my grandchildren (i’m only 22, no kids). The simplest actions, like changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water, and recycling can help immensely to continue to let our planet flourish.
In my own opinion climate change is somewhat a combination of the two influences, anthropogenic (manmade) and “natural.” Now I say this because I think the planet itself is always changing, but do I think mankind has sped up the process? Certainly. The agency that I would consider to have reputable sources for climate change information would definitely have to be EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). I say this because they don’t play the role of “no this is only natural, humans are not at fault” type of attitude. They’re straight forward, state the facts as well as what we can do to help make a change for the future. I found this on the basic information section of EPA’s website. “Rising global temperatures have been accompanied by changes in weather and climate. Many places have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. The planet's oceans and glaciers have also experienced some big changes - oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising.”
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| I found this strategy map and thought it was awesome. |
How can anyone say that is just natural? How climate change is portrayed in the media all depends on what news channel or television show you’re watching. I think all media is extremely biased, and sometimes I wish there was just a straight answer, no circling around the issues that we obviously need to face, since climate change affects everyone. It’s not just democratic liberals that should have to worry about it, it’s republicans and anyone else in between. I think after taking this course, as well as my three other environmental science courses I’ve realized how much I myself contribute to climate change. If attitudes don’t start to change about our environment and we don’t start looking into renewable and reusable energy sources I’m nervous I won’t ever get to the point of seeing my grandchildren (i’m only 22, no kids). The simplest actions, like changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water, and recycling can help immensely to continue to let our planet flourish.
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