your task is to thoroughly research a challenging subject, to really stretch your new research muscles and change your own beliefs if necessary. Pick one of the following contentious topics:
Global warming: is there enough scientific evidence for this phenomenon?
Human cloning and stem cell research: are there dangers involved?
Free speech and hate speech: should all opinions be allowed to be voiced?
Remember: this is not just about going online and collating the opinions of various bloggers. You should find your own primary sources and find the facts to back up your eventual opinion. Remember to take bias and vested interests into account and to fully explore the implications of everything you discover. Finally, write a short essay (at least 500 words) explaining the decision you have made and why, or if you haven’t been able to come to a decision, the reasons for this. If you have come to a conclusion, then try to be as persuasive as you can in this essay. In the next unit, we’ll look in more detail at organizing information so that it is presented well, but for now, simply try to present the facts in an order you feel is logical and persuasive. Feel free to use emotive language if you feel strongly about the subject; this essay shouldn’t be objective (although the facts it presents should be): it is very much about expressing your own opinion.
Title: Global Warming: The Overwhelming Evidence for Climate Change
Introduction:
Global warming, or climate change, has been the subject of intense debate and discussion over the past few decades. While skeptics argue that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the existence of this phenomenon, a thorough examination of primary sources and scientific consensus reveals overwhelming evidence for climate change. This essay will explore and present the compelling facts and evidence that support the reality of global warming, challenging any preconceived notions and biases.
Scientific Consensus:
The consensus among scientists is clear: climate change is happening, and human activities are the primary cause. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an organization that assesses scientific research on climate change, there is a 95% probability that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for the increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century.
Temperature Rise:
Temperature records dating back to the mid-1800s, coupled with advanced technology, reveal a consistent upward trend in global average temperatures. Multiple sources of data, including surface temperature records, satellite measurements, and ice cores, all point to a significant increase in temperatures. Additionally, the rate of temperature rise in recent decades has been unprecedented in the past millennium, reinforcing the human-induced nature of this phenomenon.
CO2 and Greenhouse Gases:
The increase in global temperatures correlates with the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Ice core data spanning hundreds of thousands of years demonstrate a strong link between CO2 levels and temperature. Moreover, measurements from current observatories confirm the rapid rise of atmospheric CO2 levels, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities. These elevated CO2 levels trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere through the greenhouse effect, leading to a warming planet.
Extreme Weather Events:
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires, have been on the rise in recent years. Scientific research consistently confirms the link between climate change and these extreme events. The warming of the oceans, for example, leads to more intense hurricanes, while increased atmospheric moisture enhances the severity of rainfall and flooding. These changes have devastating consequences for ecosystems, human lives, and economies worldwide.
Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels:
The melting of glaciers and ice sheets, coupled with the expansion of seawater due to rising temperatures, contribute to rising sea levels. Satellite observations and field measurements indicate a clear and accelerating trend in global sea level rise. The implications of this include the erosion of coastlines, increased vulnerability to storm surges and flooding, and the loss of crucial habitats for numerous species.
Conclusion:
In light of the overwhelming evidence presented above, it is evident that global warming is an undeniable reality. The scientific consensus, supported by a vast array of credible primary sources, demonstrates that human activities are significantly contributing to climate change. The consequences of global warming pose a significant threat to the environment, biodiversity, and human well-being.
While it is essential to acknowledge the potential biases and vested interests that exist in any scientific field, it is crucial to base our beliefs and decisions on the weight of scientific evidence and consensus. Our planet's future depends on our collective recognition and action to mitigate the causes and impacts of global warming. Therefore, it is imperative that we embrace sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and work towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.