Sunday, August 19, 2007

Global warming is a heated debate, which poses a threat to all of society. The term global warming can be described as the gradual increase of temperature in the earth's lower atmosphere. Global warming has caused serious changes in climate and animal species. These issues will steadily increase throughout the next century, unless society as a whole takes the proper call for action.
Scientists generally agree that the earth’s average temperature has increased within the past fifty years, due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. According to an article by M.H. Cooper, the earth’s temperature has risen approximately one degree Fahrenheit within the past 100 years. He goes on to state that this steady increase in temperature will continue. This may result in changing weather patterns throughout the world, which society will be forced to adapt to. This potential threat to mankind can be prevented if the problem is addressed in the near future.
The existence of many species also has deteriorated due to global warming. The loss of these living organisms will drastically affect society. Cooper explains that many plants and animals provide food, fibers, building materials, and various medicines. While others may regulate the flow of water, fertilize crops, and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. All these things are vital to our society.
Although many economists and environmental organizations have proposed several ideas to limit the release of carbon dioxide into the air, congress has just recently begun to show interest in the issue. In Abstract, by Marcia Clemmitt, her research shows that the government can limit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by simply placing a tax on carbon fuels. Hopefully, this tax would do nothing but promote alternative fuels, along with other environmentally friendly products. Restrictive laws limiting deforestation could also be implemented. This would result in a lesser amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. Governmental regulations along with the cooperation of citizens will help to decrease global warning, so future generations can live with the same luxuries we enjoy today.

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