I am doing a paper on Global Warming for an Environmental Economics class and am interested to hear your views on a few points.
To start I would like to give a little background information
The earth’s atmosphere acts as a ‘large’ greenhouse. The heat and energy of the sun after reflecting off the earth’s surface is ‘trapped’ in the atmosphere by so called greenhouse gases -- primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases act much in the same way as the glass panes in a greenhouse.
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane by more than 50%, and nitrous oxide by about 15%. The result of these increases is that the average global surface temperature has risen nearly 1°F. While this may not seem like a problem, just think about how sensitive the human body is to a 1° change in temperature, the earth is no different.
Proof of global warming can be seen by the fact that 1998 was the warmest year on record (global temperatures, on some scale, have been kept since the early 1600’s). Ocean levels have risen from 4-10 inches, due to melting of polar icecaps. And, global precipitation has increased by nearly 1 inch, due to increased evaporation. These are the facts from the last century.
Looking forward to the year 2100, it is expected that the average temp will rise by another 1.6-6.3°F, ocean levels will rise by 12-16 inches and global precip will increase by another 2-4 inches. While these effects will surely have no impact on us, they will effect our children, grandchildren, and all future generations.
The survival of any species on earth is due to the ability to adapt to new conditions. Unfortunately, we are changing the earth’s conditions faster than we can adapt and it is estimated that the human race will not be able to survive the conditions on earth past the year 2250, unless drastic and absolute changes are made.
Now for my questions. These are poll type questions and the results may be used in my final paper. Thank you in advance
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Do you think global warming should be a top priority for world governments?
Have you read any news articles or heard/watched any TV programs on global warming in the past 6 months? If so, do you remember the exact topic (i.e. Kyoto treaty, fossil fuel consumption)
Do you recycle? (recycling reduces the amount of debris in landfills and therefore reduces methane emissions)
How do you feel about Nuclear power as an energy source? Against or For
If against, why?
How much more would you be willing to pay for a car that used an alternative power source to gasoline?
Would you be willing to pay more for electricity if your power company used alternative energy sources (i.e. wind/water generation, solar power)?
Who do you think is the main culprit of global warming
Consumers for their unwillingness to use ‘cleaner’ products because they cost more and are less available
Automotive and Oil companies for their unwillingness to change to alternative energy
Governments for their unwillingness to introduce and enforce stricter emissions laws
Thank you everyone for your answers!
I will post the poll results at the end of the week!
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It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear ignorant,
than open it and remove all doubt!