Global Warming: The Gradual Rise in the Temperature of the Earth's Surface

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Global Warming Global warming is the gradual rise in the temperature of the earth's surface. The issue of global warming is multifaceted. Its effects could produce economic losses in some areas and benefit others. A small percentage of scientists, (generally in North America), will deny trends in the increase of earth's temperatures. Some will argue that increases in temperatures are not the result of human action, or that the increases will be negligible. There is no place in the public-policy debate to deny science, so these views will not be considered. Are there any policies the United States Government can implement to address the problem of global warming? What can citizens do to have an effect on policy and to limit increases in temperature? This issue had been ignored by the public and by policy makers until 1988, when record drought compelled Dr. James E. Hansen to testify before congress. Dr Hansen, an atmospheric scientist and director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, testified before a Senate Subcommittee in June of 1988. Dr Hansen testified that global temperatures had risen one degree Fahrenheit over the last one hundred years. He stated that temperatures in the 1980's were the highest on record. John Wilford Noble 23 Aug. 1988 20 Nov. 2013 http://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/23/science/his-bold-statement-transforms-the-debate-on-greenhouse-effect.html?ref=jamesehansen . Greenhouse gases prevent heat from escaping into space. They are critical in keeping our planet alive, and allowed an explosion of life on our planet. In the Cambrian Period, greenhouse gases were eighteen times higher than today. A Global Warming Primer National Center for Policy Analysis. 2013. 21 N... ... middle of paper ... ...tive role models for the community and their employees. When working in packing and shipping of high-value items, my company used a percentage of recycled materials. Bio-degradable packing materials are more expensive than their Styrofoam counterparts, but our customer base increased due to customers wanting to be environmentally sound. This also led to my learning more about the subject from various mailings companies sent concerning their products, ways to reduce and reuse packing materials, and to my recycling at home. If one wishes the population and economy in the United States to thrive, we must lead the world in conservation. This is the only super power left. With that power comes the responsibility to lead, to be a positive role model for other nations and populations, and to offer incentives to businesses operating on a “green” business model.

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