A review of Dan M. Kahan's article "The Cognitively Illiberal State" that argues against Al Gore's globalwarmingtheories and sheds light on why they are so accepted.
Abstract The paper discusses Dan M. Kahan's article "The Cognitively Illiberal State" that offers an explanation for why people are accepting of Al Gore's globalwarmingtheories, even though, as he claims, they are not proven facts. The paper explains Kahan's assertion that it is due to the fact that Gore presents his theories as values that people want to embrace, together with effective rhetoric and feelings of guilt. The paper further explains Kahan's view that this "cultural cognitive illiberalism" becomes the vehicle for self-interest and profit from the laws and legislation enacted in the name of preserving the planet.
From the Paper "In October, 2007, former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, was awarded a shared Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global warming. In a New American article by William P. Hoar, the question of why Gore was awarded such a distinguished prize was examined. It was, posited Hoar, honoring Gore for his life-long commitment to the issue of global warming, which, admittedly, until recently, few people had taken him seriously about. The issue of global warming has come to the forefront of public attention because in fact, irrefutably, the polar glaciers are melting, and areas where glaciers that formed thousands of years ago are in fact seeing newly created land mass as those glaciers have disappeared."
Abstract This paper gives a detailed examination of globalwarming, including how it developed as an issue. The author also attempts to establish the validity of globalwarming, and to understand whether the average lay individual believes in this theory. The paper then examines the controversy and debate about globalwarming in light of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other powerful organizations' declarations that globalwarming is a possible severe risk to the world. This analysis looks to analyze how lay individuals see the debate and concludes by testing their understanding of globalwarming.
From the Paper "Overall the interview process revealed no real surprises. The majority of individuals who actually believe in global warming do so because of media influence. Their understanding of global warming as a specter of danger rather than concrete scientific definition is extremely disturbing. It is also an accurate picture of the reality of the American public's perception of global warming. Only a very small slice of the pejorative population actually understands the facts behind global warming. Upon understanding these facts, few are inclined to completely thrust themselves into the mainstream understanding of the dynamics of the greenhouse effect and how such an effect will cause dramatic damage to the Earth. Through this interview and the survey, a vivid and diverse picture of global warming and its actual understanding on the populace has been painted."
Abstract This paper discusses the fact that there is a growing recognition amongst international leaders that developing a timely and effective strategy for abating globalwarming will be their next great diplomatic challenge. The paper states that global environmental changes are becoming the topic of debate around the world as evidence mounts with regard to the negative impact globalwarming will have on the world in the future. The paper then proceeds to discuss the views of both those that believe that immediate action must be taken to fight globalwarming as well as those that believe that all the warnings about globalwarming are nothing more than a political ploy by politicians to gain political and financial support.
Outline:
Introduction
What it is ?
Refutation
Conclusion
From the Paper "As Cold War tensions ease, there is a growing recognition among international leaders and policymakers that developing a timely, equitable, and effective strategy for abating global warming will be their next great diplomatic challenge(Udall, 1990)." Global environmental changes are becoming the topic of debate around the world among politicians, scientists and dinner guests as evidence mounts with regard to the negative impact global warming will have on the world in the future. Former senator and vice president Al Gore is a vocal supporter of the global warming theory and introduced six bills at one point aimed at reducing the impact of global warming."
Abstract This paper discusses the causes, nature, and consequences of globalwarming or human induced climated change, and recommends responses. It discusses the discovery of the greenhouse effect in planetary atmospheres; the role of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere and evidence for human-induced globalwarming. The paper also looks at the consequences of climatic instability, including disruption of global food production. Technological and social responses to globalwarming are also explored.
From the Paper "Within a couple of decades, human-induced climate change, better known as global warming, has moved from a theoretical discussion at the frontiers of science to become a pressing matter of global concern. The following discussion explores global warming in both its scientific and human dimensions. It begins with a discussion of how the so-called greenhouse effect was discovered, followed by an examination of the scientific principles underlying the greenhouse effect and the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and an examination of the possible consequences of climate change resulting from the emission of these gases, particularly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere as a result of industrial energy production. This foundational discussion is followed by a survey of possible responses that have been proposed to limit or alleviate global warming, concluding with a set of policy recommendations. "
Abstract In this article, the writer describes current globalwarming issues such as the U.S. refusal to follow the Kyoto agreement. The writer outlines several negative effects of globalwarming. The writer explains that such effects are related to temperature rises, melting of polar ice caps or to rises in the ocean level. Further, the writer describes steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of globalwarming.
From the Paper At a conference of twenty nations assembled in London, Gordon Brown, Britain's Finance Minister addressed the audience regarding the seriousness of the effects of global warming, saying 'We have sufficient evidence that human-made climate change is the most far-reaching and almost certainly the most threatening of all the environmental changes facing us'. The economic changes predicted by experts such as Mr. Brown as well as changes to weather patterns, human property, human life and the environment have led to ... "
Abstract The paper discusses how our planet is currently facing the challenge and danger of globalwarming. The paper explains that we cannot be certain of the time frame, but we do know enough to know that some kind of action is called for. The paper determines that two basic responses exist: mitigation of globalwarming, or adaptation to the effects of globalwarming. This paper examines the research to determine which approach seems more appropriate and useful for preserving life as we know it on earth.
Abstract The paper, illustrated with graphs, discusses the basic effects of globalwarming, its underlying causes, and attempts to reduce it with the co-operation of all individuals. The paper relates that, as a result of globalwarming, climate changes have reached abnormal levels with rainfall and hurricanes of unusual intensity. The paper also warns of what will happen if action is not taken in time and discusses positive and negative economic probabilities. The paper concludes that it takes time for people to change their attitudes but in changing, the end result will be worth it.
Outline:
Introduction
Globalwarming and cliimate change
Predicted or noticed changes
Economic perspectives
New industries
A few industry sectors
Full economic impact
Conclusion
From the Paper "The fact is that global warming, in its smallest stages, is a natural occurrence. Everyday gases such as carbon dioxide are released to warm the earth, allowing it to be a place that can be inhabited by all living things. However once the human element, became higher in population, the warming of the earth was easier to identify. Humans needed to heat their homes, clean their clothes, as well as light their homes. Instead of doing this naturally as had been done for centuries, electricity, gases, and aerosols were created to make human lives easier. All these things and many more have contributed to the increased temperatures of the planet and the profitability of it as well."
Abstract In this paper, the writer examines the idea of globalwarming and discusses the accuracy of predictions regarding its overall effects and the root causes of the problem. The writer also discusses the research that predictions of globalwarming are based upon and examines the conflicting studies presented by governmental and international bodies. In addition, the writer argues that UN mechanisms put in place to decrease carbon emissions and reduce the planets temperature rise, will, in fact, have the opposite effect. The writer postulates that for Canada, the cost of adherence to the Kyoto protocols will be excessive and quotes a number of researchers in evidence. The paper is accompanied by a number of tables and graphs.
Outline:
Introduction
GlobalWarming: Science and Scepticism
The Kyoto Protocol: Loopholes and Exceptions
Canada's and Kyoto: Economic Impacts of Meeting the Reduction Goals
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1998 the first and most comprehensive study of compliance costs to Canada was done by the National Climate Change Process (NCCP), a group formed by various Canadian government officials. The results were not what the government had hoped for. The study predicts long term negative effects on the Canadian economy of between 0.5 to 3% per year, and up to 20 years recovery time. Real wages would drop between 1 and 4%, and there would be significant risk of damaging levels of inflation. According to the analysis, it is not Alberta, but Saskatchewan and Ontario that are the hardest hit provinces"
Tags:globalwarming, Kyoto, United Nations, carbon emissions, Canada offsets
Abstract This paper reviews greenhouse gases and how they affect globalwarming. It defines what greenhouse gases are, and how much they contribute to globalwarming. The paper describes man's contribution to greenhouse gases. The author also suggests ways to reduce energy consumption and the production of greenhouse gases.
From the Paper "The fact that the temperature on Earth is appropriate for human life being between the freezing point and boiling point of water isn't just due to the distance between the Earth's orbit and that of the Sun. The Greenhouse ..."
Abstract This paper gives an in-depth analysis of the problem of globalwarming and its effect on coral reefs. The paper cites statistics that describe the history of globalwarming. The author further explains the composition of corals and their sensitivities to environmental disturbances such as temperature change. The current crisis in coral reefs is described and international conservation programs are presented. The author concludes by encouraging public awareness of this issue.
From the Paper "The earth is warming up, slowly, but undoubtedly. The seemingly trivial increase of 1.1 , or a little more than half Celsius since 1861, has altered the climate tremendously. There are more extreme weather events, which result in flood and drought especially in the poor countries. The atmospheric and oceanographic disturbance El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the 1982-1983 and 1997-1998 had caused the increase in seawater temperature two to three degrees Celsius above normal (Brown). Coral reefs, already devastated by human activities such as over-fishing, development in coastal areas, and pollution, are further ravaged by the unusual warming. Extensive bleaching is widespread, which turn the colorful coral into dazzling white masses. This damage, then, will affect a wide range of organisms, whose survivals are dependent on the reefs' health condition."
Abstract This paper argues that Americans can change their lifestyles in order to combat globalwarming and the depletion of non renewable resources. It explores how Americans can be more realistic and reasonable about their consumption choices.
From the Paper "The best way Americans can change their lifestyles in order to combat global warming and the depletion of non renewable resources is to become more realistic and reasonable about their consumption choices. That means rejecting products that are popular because ..."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses the deleterious effects that globalwarming is having on phytoplankton. The writer explains that phytoplankton is the primary foundation of the earth's food chain. This paper examines the various effects that are taking place on phytoplankton. The writer also mentions the difficulty in conveying the importance of this issue to the regular person in the street.
From the Paper "Trying to rally people to be concerned about global warming is like trying to call out the fire department to put out a fire in a can of sterno. They have no sense of urgency and no concept of the possible consequences, so they refuse to become engaged in the issue. Global warming may indeed be the little fire in the can of sterno, but it is the little fire that precedes full planetary meltdown. If you ignore the initial flame it ... "
Abstract This paper reviews the impact that globalwarming has on human communities and ecosystems, and how it represents a great challenge for the entire planet. The paper reports that specialists recommend we try to find alternative sources of energy, and meanwhile, use less of the fossil-fuel energy. The paper further discusses the Kyoto Protocol.
Outline:
Abstract
Historical Perspectives of the Problem
The Impacts on and Responses of Humans or other living organisms to the Environmental Variation
Changes in the Ecosystem and Biosphere Structure
Ecosystem Dynamics Relative to Repair and Restoration
Economic Costs and Social Costs of the Ecological/Environmental Impact
Prevention and Public Awareness Effort Aimed at the Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another issue is represented by the more and more often natural disasters like storms, floods and hurricanes that damage and even destroy people's establishments. The regions most vulnerable to sea-level rise are river deltas such as the Nile delta in Egypt, the Ganges in Bangladesh, the Yangtze and Hwang Ho in China, the Mekong and also the United States that could loose 8000 square miles (20,000 km2) of land, valued at about $650 billion, and 30-80% of its coastal wetlands . Insurance companies are also affected by the natural disasters that come along and in order to avoid bankruptcy they try to develop new strategies on the market and diminish the risks."
Abstract This report looks at the problem of globalwarming as a theme for research into the attitudes of the public at large about globalwarming as a scientific and media based issue of concern. The research is important because it can show connections or disconnections that the general public have about globalwarmingtheories and measure attitudes and beliefs toward this complicated issue. The objective of the current report or study is to give randomly sampled members of the general population a questionnaire about globalwarming and then compare results with extant reportage on globalwarming, to measure public attitudes. The experimental outline was formed using the qualitative survey methodology. Important or relatively interesting results include an apparent disconnect in public perceptions of the connection between ozone layer depletion and globalwarming. The current report introduces the problem or issue, explains the issue and finishes with a discussion and concluding remarks, including areas for future research.
Outline
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Working globally in concerned international communities is seen to be key to solving the problem and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But steps must be taken to reduce the threat of global climate change at the individual, local, state, and national, as well as the international, level. Steps could be as complicated as urban design and waste management research, or as simple as planting a tree. Many cities have voluntarily taken the initiative to improve the environment by implementing greenhouse gas reduction strategies. These strategies can help communities save money as they lower the risks to human health caused by global warming. People must be willing to work together from the individual to the international level to find beneficial answers and solutions to the problem."
