climate change: the real deal
Abstract
Rising sea levels, warming atmosphere and oceans, and widespread melting of glaciers, ice sheets and permafrost indicate that the earth is warming. Drawing on a multitude of scholastic, scientific, online government and current newspaper sources, my proposal paper examines the complex phenomenon of global climate change. Atmospheric greenhouse gasses (GHGs) trap heat, which results in increased temperatures. If we don’t take action to reduce GHG emissions scientists, predict an intensification of climate change impacts, including costly and devastating fires, droughts, coastal flooding, extreme weather and hurricanes. It is imperative to invest in research and development of sustainable energy technology such as wind, solar or geothermal. Continuing to rely on fossil fuels pollutes our atmosphere, disrupts our ecosystem, and endangers our livelihoods and national security. The exploding costs of climate change impacts, for example, Katrina at $120 billion, Sandy at $72 billion, will be borne by the taxpayer, not by profitable industrial polluters. Americans can no longer afford to be fooled into complacency by fossil fuel industry sponsored disinformation. And, as 70% of Americans believe in global warming, politicians must represent their constituents, not the polluters. Energy conservation is also essential to curb GHG emissions. We can better insulate our commercial and residential buildings and use energy efficient lighting and appliances. We can walk, bike, use public transportation or drive a fuel-efficient car. To combat climate change, both personal and collective initiatives are necessary. The welfare of our planet and future generations is contingent upon our immediate personal and collective initiatives.