Global Warming Should Be Stopped
The effects of global warming are taking over the world.
Introduction
Global warming is one of the most controversial issues in modern history. If we continue to ignore the effects of global warming, climates all over the world would change, leaving plants and animals struggling to adapt to their new climate (Anderson). Over the last 200 years alone, temperatures have risen over 5 degrees Celsius, and not in response to the natural temperature cycles around the world (Lerner 259). Possible consequences of global warming are profound effects on social and natural systems and ice caps melting, causing ocean levels to rise, placing entire cities underwater (Lerner 260). With their new technology, scientists have estimated that the carbon level of the world has stayed at a constant 280 parts per million before the Industrial Revolution; it is currently at 370 parts per million (Robinson 26). It we don't address global warming, more and more adverse effects could assault our planet. The dangerous effects of global warming can be arrested by limiting use of fossil fuels and stopping deforestation.
Concession 1
Many people state that the lack of rising temperatures indicates global warming is not a viable proposition.
Concession 2
The current frigid temperatures we are experiencing indicate that there is no global warming.
Rebuttal
First, people can slow down global warming by limiting the use of fossil fuels. Many global industries power factories by burning coal, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Robinson 6). Greenhouse gases keep heat trapped on Earth, and contribute to the continuation of human beings. However, too many greenhouse gases can cause world temperatures to rise. The carbon dioxide levels have been consistent over the last 10,000 years, but during the Industrial Revolution, people turned to fossil fuels (Robinson 25). Because of this, carbon dioxide levels increased by more than 30%, the highest carbon dioxide level in our atmosphere in over 400,000 years (Robinson 26). The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere reached 2.5 billion tons in 1999 - and is still increasing in large amounts (Robinson 43). Nitrous oxides, another important greenhouse gas, is on the rise as well, because of nitrogen fertilizers, nylon production, and the combustion of organic material (Robinson 31). Without these fossil fuels, the world would be without most of the negative effects of global warming.
Second, people can slow down global warming by reducing deforestation. Trees play a vital role in limiting carbon dioxide levels. They take carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into oxygen. Today, there is more deforestation than ever, resulting in more carbon dioxide into the air, contributing to global warming and robbing the earth of oxygen (Robinson 28). Nowadays, people use wood for daily purposes, like for building houses, toys, paper, etc. It is being used so much that people are eliminating thousands of forests to meet peoples' needs. If this continues, more and more carbon dioxide would stay in the atmosphere. If more carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere, then more heat is trapped on Earth. If we don't have enough trees, more and more effects of global warming will start to assault Earth.
Global Warming 101
Call To Action
In conclusion, the dangerous effects of global warming can be arrested by limiting the use of fossil fuels and reducing deforestation. Instead of using these fossil fuels, which send up carbon dioxide into the air, we can use alternates like solar energy or hydroelectric power to fuel things. Also, we can reduce deforestation by replanting trees where we cut them down. If these methods would be used in the real world today, many of the negative effects of global warming would be erased.
Works Cited
Robinson, Matthew. Global Warming: Crisis or Myth? New York: Rosen Central, 2008. Print.
Robinson, Richard. Global Climate Change. New York: Macmillian Refrence, 2002. Print.
Lerner, Lee, ed. Global Warming. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Print.
Anderson, Margaret. "Why is Everyone Worried About Global Warming?" SIRS Discoverer. Facts on File News Service, Web. 7 April, 2008. 22 Feb. 2014.