Socratic Seminar: Global Warming
As in the last unit, we had another socratic seminar. This civilized debate focused on global warming and whether or not it exists, and whether or not humans have any impact on the acceleration of the phenomenon. Everybody, including myself, agreed that yes, global warming exists, and undoubtedly humans are playing a large role in its occurrence. One of the biggest pieces of evidence for me is the correlation between the rise in carbon dioxide levels and population growth in the last century. In 1900, there were 300 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. At that point it was the highest the level had been throughout all of history. In 2000, there were 400 parts per million. During the last century, the population has grown from only 1.5 billion to over 7 billion people. The 20th century also saw a rise in the use of fossil fuels, automobiles, and air pollution. Knowing that burning fossil fuels results in the production of carbon dioxide, and seeing as the population quadrupled, it is easy to see that humans are contributing to the epidemic of global warming. Other evidence is seen in the rising acidity level of the ocean. During the carbon cycle, high amounts of carbon dioxide becomes trapped in the sea (in fact, 65% of Earth's carbon is stored in the ocean). Carbon dioxide in the ocean causes acidity levels to rise in water. Because carbon dioxide production has been growing, ocean acidity has been growing as well. Ocean temperatures have been rising as well, which leads to the melting of polar ice caps. This could lead to a runaway effect of the Earth's rising average temperature. Because the ocean absorbs heat and polar caps reflect it, the global temperature has been kept at bay. But because the ice caps are melting, more heat is being trapped in the atmosphere.
There is much that can be done, both as a world community and as an individual, to help reduce the speed at which global warming occurs. One of the biggest steps we can make is reducing the use of internal combustion engines. If we cut down the burning of fossil fuels, less carbon dioxide will become trapped in the atmosphere. We should replace ICE's and diesel engines with electric cars, or other energy alternatives. The use of different energies can help solve multiple problems. If we find a reliable energy source that does not involve fossil fuels, we can cut out both the energy crisis as well as reduce global warming. Another change we should make is in regards to waste disposal. If we regulate the disposal of carbon dioxide and keep it out of the air, it can greatly aid in the cause of saving Earth. Small changes individually can help as well. Changing just five light bulbs in your house to Energy Star qualified bulbs will help use 75% less energy and heat, and the bulbs themselves will last up to fifty times longer. Using green power in your home, such as solar energy, will cut out both global and economic costs. But the most important thing you can do is increase awareness. The more people that know of the monstrosity of human assistance of global warming, the better chance we have at making a change!
There is much that can be done, both as a world community and as an individual, to help reduce the speed at which global warming occurs. One of the biggest steps we can make is reducing the use of internal combustion engines. If we cut down the burning of fossil fuels, less carbon dioxide will become trapped in the atmosphere. We should replace ICE's and diesel engines with electric cars, or other energy alternatives. The use of different energies can help solve multiple problems. If we find a reliable energy source that does not involve fossil fuels, we can cut out both the energy crisis as well as reduce global warming. Another change we should make is in regards to waste disposal. If we regulate the disposal of carbon dioxide and keep it out of the air, it can greatly aid in the cause of saving Earth. Small changes individually can help as well. Changing just five light bulbs in your house to Energy Star qualified bulbs will help use 75% less energy and heat, and the bulbs themselves will last up to fifty times longer. Using green power in your home, such as solar energy, will cut out both global and economic costs. But the most important thing you can do is increase awareness. The more people that know of the monstrosity of human assistance of global warming, the better chance we have at making a change!