Monday, November 15, 2010

As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/science/earth/14ice.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=science

This article discusses the obvious issue of global warming. Glaciers in the Arctic are at higher temperatures than ever before, and they are melting at an alarming rate. In Tasiilaq, Greenland, water is reaching as high as 40 degrees, which is Fiammetta Straneo says is "... the highest [scientists have] seen this far up the fjord". Some people suggest that the warming is just part of Earth's natural cycles, but there is much evidence suggesting that it's our fault.

The author here seems to agree with the fact that the global warming is our fault and not part of the Earth's natural cycles. The author doesn't give any opinions that are not based on facts, but he does give more information regarding why it is part of global warming than anything else.

VI. Pollution
B. Economic Impacts- externality

VII. Global Change
B. Global Warming- impacts and consequences of global warming

By: Calhan Hale


3 comments:

  1. What would happen if the sea level did rise 3 or more feet by 2100 as the article states? It says that many coastal regions would flood, but what impacts will that have on ecosystems and biodiversity, and human populations and economies? Is there any way that we can possibly lower the temperature of the water from 40 degrees by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we use now?

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  2. I agree that the natural cycles of the Earth does effect temperature and may play a role in the problem of the melting glaciers, however human activity is definitely causing this to happen at a faster rate. If this continues, we will see huge consequences. The coastal regions of the world cannot afford the ocean to rise 3 feet or more. With the growing population, we cannot loose these precious lands where so many people live and make a living off of. I think there should be stricter laws in place to help stop global warming before it is too late.

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  3. I feel like this the rise and sea levels and temperature should be a bigger concern for more people, because of the effects that are listed in the article. The article said that there is a possibility that the sea level could exceed six feet by 2100, which would displace ten million people in Asia. There is always that very real possibility that the sea level would raise even more then what scientist predicted. If that were to happen then even more of the Earths coast will be submerged by 2100 and more people will be displaced. More people need to consider the rising sea levels and rising temperature of the sea as a more real and serious problem.

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