Global Warming

So this is a bit lengthy, but I am just curious: what do you think I will get on this paper? You see, I was just supposed to write on global warming, what I can do blah, blah, blah... you see there is NO diversity in my online discussion board so this is my paper:

Is it hot in here? Or is it just me?

Al Gore has received quite a bit of attention lately with his focus on global warming. 45,200,000 results were retrieved from Google with the keywords “global warming.” Seminars, movies, books and discussions have been dedicated to this cause. The problem is people don’t seem to know what to believe. While some environmentally conscious individuals claim the rising temperatures are going to drastically rise and that it is a result of our carbon output, there are those out there that are quick to disagree. Some experts cite the warming effects of the sun and the natural cycles of it as the source. With such stark differences in the origination, distinct differences in the solution also exist. Shrinking ice caps indicate there is a problem, so many ask what can be done.

Environmentalists suggest some excellent ways to help: drive more efficient cars, use energy efficient appliances and change the light bulbs, invest in green power or even purchase carbon offsets (tax deductable contributions to assist in green projects such as wind farms). Opposing experts point out the benefits of carbon in our atmosphere and its necessity for the plants which we depend on. They suggest keeping the carbon output as is, and not restrict further emissions, citing that it will boost the world economy, and that the Earth will cool in its proper time.
I would like to nominate another perspective for the global debate: Don’t change a thing. We drive gas hogging SUVs, consume amounts of electricity/energy at increasing levels, deforest our public lands, drill oil in every imaginable spot and in general use the land at our will. Why stop? There are incredible benefits to this theory of mine, I’ll explain.

Honeymoons, spring break destinations, vacations and adventures for all ages—Hawaii, Mexico, Bahamas, and the Caribbean are all popular choices. People rarely choose Russia, Greenland or the Arctic in general. Why is this? People like it warm. In the southern hemisphere the temperature rose 4.5° F from1950 to 2004 and Alaska’s temperature rose 5° in 30 years. Extended projections predict that the global temperature could rise between 2.3-9.6% in the next century (Earth Policy). So, if the temperature happens to come up by a few degrees, and thereby offering more variety in tropical locations, it will only boost the economy in other places—satisfying those supporting natural cycles. (I can think of quite a few people locally that wouldn’t mind temperatures a little higher in the coming months.)

Mr. Gore showed a very touching computer generated image of an exhausted polar bear swimming to find rest—with no ice in sight. On May 14, 2008 the U.S. Department of Interior reclassified polar bears as endangered, stating that diminishing ice was the cause. Polar bears are very dangerous. So, if their numbers dwindle from the 20,000-25,000 bears world wide at the current trend of 22% that makes the chances of harmful human-polar bear interaction 22% less. The Hudson Bay, Alaska, and western Canada are reporting smaller skull sizes and lower adult male weights. Again, a good thing—smaller bears to fight with in case of unfortunate interaction is certainly a good thing (PBI 1).

In the concern of our atmosphere is another great problem—the ozone. CFC’s are causing holes in the ozone, which increases our chances of skin cancer. According to NASA:
The temperature of the Antarctic stratosphere causes the severity of the ozone hole to vary from year to year. Colder than average temperatures result in larger and deeper ozone holes, while warmer temperatures lead to smaller ones (NASA).
It appears that warm temperatures help minimize the size UV-B eliminating ozone. Cancer fighting—one more point for global warming.

While the answer to global warming may not fit entirely within the satire, it does show some of the issues and real concerns of people worried about the Earth for themselves and their children. The temperature really is rising, whether that change is natural or human induced, probably time will only tell. However, one way or another, reducing our consumption would be beneficial for both the economy and the environment.