What should be policy about global warming?
I have highlighted 16 opinions that were frequently cited by other students in the class as either especially well expressed or as giving new insights. RMR
This one was due Tuesday (9/17) by classtime, the same time as the opinion response exercise for cloning.
The "global warming" opinion was due by classtime Thursday 9/12.
Please read through the directions first before starting to read the opinions.
Instead of asking everyone to read all the responses, which I think might be overwhelming, I will divide it up as follows:
· If your name begins with the letters A to D, please read responses 1 to 17.
· If your name begins with the letters E to K, please read responses 18 to 34.
· If your name begins with the letters L to N, please read responses 35 to 51.
· If your name begins with the letters O to Z, please read responses 52 to the end (currently 67).
The order of the responses is random. Chances being what they are, the 4 sets will probably differ somewhat. You are welcome, of course, to read responses outside your own set if you have time and interest.
If you do not see your response below, do not planic, but please do let me know. There are 89 people registered for the course and 67 responses, so as of about 4 pm on 9/12 I am missing 22.
Note: Though I am not following a strict 100 word policy (maybe we should increase the permitted maxmimum)), many of the opinions are over 100 words, and some are over 200.
1. There seems to be a general consensus around the world, that we as a species need to address the problem of global warming. Many countries around the world have passed laws to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses. However, a few countries are quite lax in their policies toward global warming - the United States being one. There should in fact, be legislation passed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, whether it be in the automobile industry or more strict rgulations towards factory emissions. We as humans need to become less short-sighted and more aware of what consequences our actions here in the present will have in the future.
2. Over the past several years Global Warming has been on the rise. There is much evidence to show that the emmision of greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, have been the cause of global warming. There are many steps that businesses, and even individuals, can take to help slow the process of global warming. The governemnt should take steps to ensure that businesses are looking into the use of "Renewable energy" sources such as wind and solar power, geothermal (energy created from the extreme heat contained in liquid rock—called magma—within the Earth's core), hydropower (energy derived from the movement of water as it flows downstream), and various forms of biomass (fuel from sources such as trees, wood and agricultural wastes, fuel crops, sewage sludge, and manure). Although it is not always possible, or wise, for the governemnt to involve itself in business, if the government could create some sort of incentive program, or a department with representatives who could educate businesses on cost efficient ways of decreasing global warming, it would be helpful. In fact, the government may already do this, in which case they should continue to do so. If there is any way in which measures could be taken to enforce methods which would decrease global warming,it should be done. Individuals can show support by buying energy efficient products, looking into "renewable energy" sources for thier own homes, and by supporting public transportation. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
3. Global warming is a problem that needs much more attention and analysis then it already receives. It is problem that is of the utmost importance to every person. Global warming causing agents need to be regulated and carefully watched and additional research done, emphasizing on how we can reduce or reverse all of the damage we have already done to our ozone layer. This needs to be done not only to right the wrong we have created but also make the world a safer more livable planet.
4. I've never felt too motiviated to believe in Global Warming until recently I've seen the effects of it first hand. The drought this year and the unseasonable warmth last year I feel attribute to Global Warming. I don't know if this is bad or good, but something tells me it should be fixed somehow. I just have no idea how.
5. Policy about global warming should be conservation. In order to keep our protective atmosphere intact we must conserve many things. There are numerous ways to conserve energy and stop polluting our atmosphere. For example; do not drive a car everywhere, car pool, recycle, do not pollute, and conserve natural resources. Global Warming is a dangerous threat and a policy should be developed in order to help protect our planet. Any policy in which energy is conserved and pollution is prevented would be a good one.
6. A politician from a rural town near my own (a suburb of Rochester) once announced how pleased he was that global warming was raising the average temperature of the area, thereby increasing the potential for tourism. As happy as I would be to wear something less than a Gortex parka through June, I think that our government and its citizens must adopt a policy to prevent further global warming. The debate on whether global warming is truly a threat may never be solved until all the c 1. There seems to be a general consensus around the world, that we as a species need to address the problem of global warming. Many countries around the world have passed laws to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses. However, a few countries a 1. There seems to be a general consensus around the world, that we as a species need to address the problem of global warming. Many countries around the world have passed laws to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses. However, a few countries aovernment should work with other nations to develop standards and future goals, a step which President Bush has so far refused to take.
7. The policy for global warning, should be the policy set forth by the Kyoto Protocol, which calls for the elimination of all man made gases that deplete the earths atmosphere. Unfortunately the United States refuses to sign this treaty because of the billions of dollars that will be lost by forcing business adjust to the new requirements the protocol would call for. The protocol would help to eliminate dangerosu gases, hence possibly saving the polar ice caps from melting in future generations and ensuring a better quality of life for all the worlds people. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
8. Policy on global warming should be stringent and immediate. It is a big problem, and it is necessary to take action now. The policies should include a government enforced change to more efficient, non- fossil fuel cars, more mass transportation, immediate replacement of old power plants with lower polluting plants, an increase in recycling, a change in building codes to support more efficient buildings and other such common sense changes. If we act now and stop dragging our feet, we may be able to stop a trend that will be the end of us all. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
9. The policy on global warming should be that there is a noticable climate change occurring in most of the World. The use of certain chemicals and harmful substances should be outlawed and violators facing maximum penalties for the offense. However, since most of the harm to our ozone layer and the Earth has already taken place, those who were guilty of using these harmful products can ot be punished for past offenses. There is little that can be done to reverse the effects of these products on the ozone layer and thus global warming will continue to be a problem. In the future, temperatures will gradually increase by barely recognizable amounts, but just enough so that the polar ice caps start to melt. This will be the cause of flooding and as the oceans rise many cities will be submerged underwater. So it is important that as a nation we work together to reduce the speed at which global warming occurs since it is inevitable that it will someday drastically change the landscape and lives of the World.
10. Global warming is obviousley a problem in the world today. It was reported that a large chunck of ice had broken off of Antartica last year due to depletion in the ozone layer. If the use of CO2 emissions increases as it has been, global warming will defintely increase and raise the world's temperature. A policy that should be followed through with is what has been proposed back in 1990, where the CO2 emissions were forced to be reducted by 7% from what they previously were. So policy should include the reducing of manufacturer's goods that provide such emissions, such as aerosol cans, etc. Also, carpooling should be recomended. I know this cannot become a law or anything, but people should be aware of their surroundings and be respectful to them. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
11. Global warming has been an ever growing and worsening delema for many years now. However, of late, the toic does not seem to be getting as much attention. It seems almost as if we have abandoned the problem becasue a new one has risen. The truth is that global warming is a serious problem that we are faced with and that we need to become actively trying to better it again, it is not going away. New policies need to be set about the chemicals that are present in factories emmisons that damage the ozone. Our government needs to get on these factories about burning cleaner fuels and stop destroying our ozone.
12. Global warming should be considered a worldwide problem since it’s effects hold consequences for all of Earth’s habitants. The governments of all countries should collaborate in a move to limit carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and to strictly enforce these prohibitions. Factories, cars and other sources of greenhouse gases should have cleaner alternatives of energy. People should be more aware of the impending disaster that will result from our careless behavior. The Earth is not just our home, but home to a diverse span of life forms. If we choose to ignore this problem and neglect our responsibilities then all will perish.
13. Although global warming may be a bad and harmful part of our world, there is not much of a policy that we can have in an effort to reduce it. We may have a policy to keep businesses from emitting too much CO2, which may keep it from spiraling out of control, but 98% of greenhouse gas emissions are natural and most of this is water vapor. The 2% left are from man-made sources. If we keep a watch on these man- made sources then we can help some, but there is not a policy that will end all global warming.
14. The average person has heard of the problems involved with global warming, but lacks knowledge on how it may be resolved. Therefore, laws should be made to force awareness. The first law could establish a limit on how much gasoline a house-hold may use. Another law could heighten awareness in companies by restricting the smoke and fumes from factories. Additionally, for every tree cut down, one must be planted. Although it will not solve the problem, the trees will at least absorb some of the poisonous Carbon Dioxide humans release into the air. The trees cannot do the work alone; humans must corroborate.
15. I think the policy of global warming should be that all people should carpool and use mass transportation to help keep the toxic fuses into the atmosphere from vehicles. Everyone should be required to reduce, recycle, and reuse, to help keep the temperature from raising so much in a year. I don’t think that there is much more else that we can do besides being more careful about what we put into the earth’s atmosphere.
16. In response to week two's qustion concerning global warming policies, I had to read some general information on it, because truthfully - I didn't know enough information on the subject to make a reliable opinion. I think the most important concern right now is the amount of emissions in the atmosphere, mostly due to industries. There are already policies where emissions must be checked to make sure they are regulated, but I believe that these levels are still too high and continuous. Reading that the pollutants put in the air today stay in the air for the next hundred years completely disgusts me, as well as scares me half to death. I realize that much of the world has it's industrial corporations and need to continue building upward, but just think of it this way: Do we (as a world) want to live an environment or do w(as a world) want to die out because of business?! The more emissions put out, the less the plans can absorb, the more gases are put out into the atmosphere, the warmer the earth becomes, the more the iceburgs melt, the more land is engulfed by water and so on and so forth. Just think about it...
17. I think one of the policies of global warming should be to protect the rainforests and other forests around the world. We should follow in the steps of countries, such as Bolivia, which expanded their national park, preventing millions of tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere as co2. Because forests count for over 20% of global warming, I think we should develop more national parks and try to save our forests. I also think that we should definitely limit the amount of emissions caused by big industries. If every country were to sign the Kyoto treaty, we will hopefully be able to save our future on this planet. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
18. As if we need more evidence that humans have a detrimental effect on the world, we have the issue of global warming. It is through no fault other than our own that we do have the global warming issue and it is up to us then to take steps to cease these negative effects. While there are programs scattered throughout the country and the world to get down on emissions from vehicles and buildings, this is simply not happening quick enough. We need fuel supplies that do not harm our environment should we wish to salvage any hope to be the dominant species on this planet for much longer.
19. I think that we should do whatever we can to prevent global warming. The government should definitely try to enforce the "no- zone action days" where people can't mow their lawns and do various other things (I don't remember what) until after 6 p.m. on really hot days. There should also be regulations on factories to make sure they pollute the air as little as possible. People should be encouraged to take public transportation. We should also try a lot harder to prevent deforestation.
20. There are many laws regulating businesses, car manufacturers, and industries that produce goods. Certain processes create pollutants and chemicals that harm the environment. One of these pollutants is gas. Gas is released into the air (by way of combustion or from by-products) and harms the ozone layer that protects the earth from the suns harmful, warming rays. This gas creates a greenhouse effect. It also captures heat on the earths surface, and allows slowly warms the earth. In the past 50 years, the earth has been slowly warming. Legislation should continue to up the standards on cars and industries that release pollutants. New laws should give more stringent policies regulating the amount of pollutants emmited into the atmosphere. As technology increases, new ways of eliminating gas pollution should also be increased.
21. Global warming is the result of harmful gas emissions that are trapped in the atmosphere. This causes temperatures around the world to raise which results in drastic changes in weather patterns. I believe that the government should ban SUV’s and other high vehicles that emit high amounts of Carbon Dioxide. It should be policy for the government to make more fuel-efficient cars now such as the hybrid car. If more and more of these types of cars are produced now, in a few years hopefully they will be affordable for the typical American to purchase. This will reduce the need for gasoline and cut the amount of Carbon Dioxide in the air. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
22. Any form of policy that relates to global warming would have to include input from a variety of nations and organizations. Considering the universal impact of temperatures rising across the world, measures must be taken to reduce the damage that has already occurred, and failing that, to inhibit any further destruction to the earth's ozone layer. Funding and participation for a multinational project, similar to the space station, would ensure that no single group's or nation's opinion would dominate policy.
23. Global warming is a growing concern because of the increased emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases come from everyone that drives a car, factories, and numerous other activities. The government has to regulate the rate at which these gases are emmitted into the atmosphere. Passing laws that require filters on smoke stacks from factories, and energy efficient cars. To make an impact, all industrialized nations will have to agree on a policy that reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. It is in everyone's best intrest to solve the problem now before it is to late. Soon the polution will affect peoples health and change the world as we know it.
24. I think that there should be a strict policy on global warming. Companies should not have the freedom of dumping their waste anywhere they choose, even if it can't be seen. I wouldn't want the air to be really polluted like it is in L.A. or China. If we don't stop companies from polluting the air, the world would eventually get really hot and we would all die. We have laws that are strict on food regulations and laws on killing people, and in my opinion those laws are strict. If we have so many laws on keeping people safe, why shouldn't there be laws on global warming?
25. I think we shouldn't worry to much about global warming. It's a natural process for the earth's climate to change gradually over time. Just look at the history. However, I also think we should be careful on how much fossil fuels we use and how much greenhouse gases we produce. To much will increase the rate of global warming, which is not natural.
26. A policy about global warming this day in age should be that everything that can be done to decrease it, should be done. Global warming is or has become a serious problem. There should be more education about it so that people might be able to help and contribute to reducing it. There are many bad effects that come from global warming and if policies are not made or more effort is not put in now to stop it then the effects will just continue to pile up. If nothing is done now, then later down the road it might be to late and global warming will not just fix its self. People need need to become more aware of it so hopefully that they will take action to help fix it.
27. We as humans caused global warming to begin. Therefore we should be doing everything in our power to prevent it from going any further. Scientists have identified certain products we use and things we do which are causing global warming to increase. These are the products and actions that we need to monitor and cut back on, if not stop producing completely. The government could easily begin a system to regulate the production and use of products that are harmful to the atmosphere. But it is the responsibility of the people to protect and care for the earth. After all, we only get one planet.
28. Global warming should be a more pronounced topic of discussion in society. More stringent controls and restrictions should be placed to keep the amount of fossil fuels and CFC’s entering the atmosphere to a minimum. Recommending that people use the bus or carpool, while helpful, is not going to drastically decrease the pollution destroying the ozone. Though it may be impossible to enforce, perhaps additional traffic control laws could be implemented in large cities like New York and Los Angeles that would reduce the number of cars navigating through the city. Perhaps air conditioning and refridgerator manufacturers can alter their systems to lessen the CFC output. While scientists are frantically working on cars that run on solar power to eliminate car pollution, the easiest and quickest variable to adjust would be traffic itself.
29. I think that there should be a policy put into affect for the problem of global warning. I think that the world in general should try to find a new source of cleaner fuel. Petroleum based fuels have been the United States and many other industrial countries main source fuel for a long time. There are many different sources of fuel that not only are cleaner but less expensive. I think that pollutants that harm the ozone should be outlawed and tried to be cleaned up to prevent further damage. I think that the problem comes mostly from the "first world" countries excesses and if we learned to maybe walk to places instead of driving it would be a great help. Tiny thing like that could change the way people are able to live in the future.
30. Concerning policy in regard to global warming, we need to begin to see a definite and substantial decreasing trend in emissions of CFC's and other substances that cause global warming. Clearly, we cannot simply stop driving cars, that would result in more immediate problems, but we can initiate this downward trend. Experimental technology with cleaner modes of transportation should be funded by the international community and new research into cleaning industrial wastes should be encouraged by governments. Clearly the most effective policy to impede global warming would have to be strict, widespread (across the world), and ddirectly with industry. Public education would also be helpful. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
31. Deciding on an exact policy for global warming is a touchy subject. But if I had to choose I feel the best proposed plan that fits our economy is the one President Bush's because we as a country are one of the largest contributers to this problem. A little of what President Bush is considering is that each country is given something like a permit but they have x amounts of them considering their size. The countries are allowed to sell their permits to other countries. This allows more flexibility for those countries who have a lot of contribution to the problem. And other places could just pay clean up costs and possibly make a profit on their permits.
32. Personally, I feel that because it is quite obvious that global warming is a serious environmental issue that affects the entire world there should be a worldwide organization to combat the effects of global warming. This group should be composed of scientific researchers, environmentalists, and legislators from developed nations. This group should first pinpoint the areas of the globe that have the most warming issues, and research what causes those issues. Then the legislative part of the group could work on some sort of charter that would outline what should be done to lessen the effects of global warming as well as what should be done to nations that violate those laws. This would be along the same lines as the Kyoto Protocol, which has made tremendous environmental advancements over the past several years. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
33. Global warming is currently a very serious issue. The government should enforce more strict laws, in prohibiting actions that promote global warming. There should be limits on the amounts of greenhouse gases emitted by factories/plants and they should initiate a program for emissions trading. The future of the earth is at stake for the effects of global warming are very serious. If these precautions are takend and followed, the effects of global warming on the earth would be drasticaly reduced.
34. Global warming is a problem that has been greatly overlooked by the Bush administration--disagreements over standards that would restrict first-world countries while allowing more latitude for underdeveloped nations have kept the U.S. from agreeing to international accords relating to greenhouse gases and other emissions. A policy needs to be developed that will divert more spending to alternate and—risking the use of a cliché—“earth-friendly” sources of energy. By investing in these alternate sources, we will not only improve the environment, but decrease our reliance on the importation of foreign oil from less- desirable trading partners in the Middle East. Such independence will aid the country in future international relations, both by improving our status as a conservationist country and by freeing us from economic ties to Iraq as well as other countries. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
35. Obviously, global warming is undesirable, but how to circumvent the problem is not as evident. There are many things that contribute to the destruction of the ozone, including gas fumes from cars and the use of certain aerosols. These are necessities at this time, and consequently will be in full use for years to come. However, alternatives exist. Countries should begin to place restrictions on high-fume emitting cars, such as taxes or tariffs on imports, in order to encourage the purchasing of more environmentally sound cars, such as hybrids, or electrics. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
36. Global warming has been an issue that is growing more dangerous everyday. We realize we are destroying this global layer by using destructive materials in our everyday lives, but it seems that there are only a select about of people who are trying to do something about it. Everyday that we drive our car just to get somethig as simple as a snack at the 7-11, we are poluting the air which eventually contributes to hole that is gradually growing larger in our atmosphere. I'm not saying stop everything , just think about the little things, they help even if they seem too small to.
37. I think what you mean is how to reduce global warming. In the future, I think low emision cars should be mandatory, atleast for cities. Hybrid cars are wonderful as well, i plan on getting one in the future. Factories should have stricter regulations on smoke emission. Aerosol cans should be completely done away with. Hairspray and whatever else can be put in pump bottles. Central air is expendable. Make people get ceiling fans, they're more economical and work just as well.
38. Global warming, the increase of the earth's temperature is caused mainly by man kind, but it is also a natural change. The natural change is inevitable; there is nothing that can be done about it. However, the part that is caused by mankind is preventable. All of the fossil fuels – coal, oil, gas- that are burned, and the other gases – carbon dioxide, methane, etc.- that we use all contribute to the global warming. I believe that the use of all of these gases and what not should be cut down. I believe that the outcome would be a good one. I think that the companies especially that emit all of these gases should definitely reduce the amounts that they release into the air and into our atmosphere.
39. I do not know enough global warming to know what the policy should be for it. I know that it's a dangerous thing and that we should take all the precautions neccessary to keep it from becoming a big problem. Global warming is already on the brink of happening and people need to work together to prevent it from becoming even more dangerous. We need to start reducing emmissions and producing fewer cars. Making more electric cars would help out the problem a lot. The US should take the biggest role in preventing global warming because we are the biggest contributors to the problem. Global warming is a scary problem and more people should be worried about it now, not when it actually starts to show signs of happening.
40. Global warming is something that affects all of us, but a policy on it for some reason is hard to astablish. I don't know if a good way to cut down on it's affects are to make laws, but I do know there are many ways we can help by cutting down on things we use around our houses. Many things that can cut down on energy usage can also save us money. With heating if we just turn our thermostats down by one degree it will cut back on our emergy use and still keep us warm enough. If people line windows and make sure extra heat isn't seeping out of their houses this can save energy and money and also help with global warming. One option which could help everyone cut down is house enspections when you were buying a new home. This could be turned into a policy in some way. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
41. I believe that global warming is a serious issue that needs to be acknowledged more by America, and plans must be instated to try to stop the effects of global warming. America was one of the only industrialized countries in the world, who did not sign the Kyoto treaty to fight the causes of global warming. The use of all greenhouse gases should be abolished or at least limited to a very small quantity throughout the world, as these are the biggest reason for global warming. There should also be a policy where people must use energy smart appliances to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere, as carbon dioxide is the most abundant green house gas in the atmosphere.
42. Global warming presents intrirguing scenarios into what may be in store for the planet in coming years such as warmer climates and higher ocean waters. As for right now policy should be to make a concious effort for society to curtail aspects of our every day life that may be causing the greenhouse affect. There is nothing in particular in my eyes that can be down besides that and continued research on the topic.
43. Global warming is a very serious issue in our world today, yet not very much is being done to prevent or fix it. There are very few policies on global warming, and I believe that there should be more done to stop it. As far as what policies that I believe should be made to stop global warming, I think that the government should make laws to prevent it all together. Products that are made that hurt our ozone layer should be banned, as well as any other activities that cause global warming. This problem is very serious, yet not taken seriously. The only way to stop global warming, and to protect our children's children from the fate of our generation, is for everyone to be held responsible for their effects on the earths atmosphere. This can be accomplished through stricter rules from our governemt, and for everyone to be made aware of what global warming is, and how it can be stopped.
44. Global Warming is a very serious problem that our society faces in this modern world. Slowly and surely the o-zone layer will continue to deplete as harsh chemicals destroy it. Many environmentalists have come forward to describe the harmful effects of Global Warming such as higher chance of skin cancer and higher temperatures. What must be done is to eliminate harmful gases in our air supply to protect the o-zone layer so in turn we can protect ourselves. A policy needs to be set up so that the government can regulate toxic chemicals being emitted into the air by automobiles and factories.
45. When it comes to having an effective policy on global warming, I find it almost unrealistic. The problem with having a policy is that a good amount of people will not follow it. Although I do not belive it would be effective to have a policy pertaining to global warming for each individual person, i do belive it would be helpful to put constraints on industries. A policy for industries that limits their carbon immisions should be put in place. Stunting these larger contributers could surely help the situation. Also for the common person i belive it would be helpful to have some sort of education project. Somthing similar to the D.A.R.E project for kids and drugs. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
46. The Policies on Global Warming should be a major issue and concern among govermnents across the world and a major issue in our own. The fact is that what we once thought of as the longterm has now become the short term, and as much as policy makers and business leaders want to put it off for short term gain, it is readily not becoming an option. Conservation and alternative methods of energy use and production must be looked at and funded no differently than the precedence our government puts toward defense and military policy. The same goes for all governments, the UN, along with its strongest members should come up with a plan to start using different means of produvtion and different patterns of consumption, such alternatives being the greater implementation of solar energy, reduction on automobile engine size, stricter regulations on emmissions from production of goods, and stiffer penalties that do not act as loop holes but as corrective measures. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
47. To me, global warming is a significant problem very relevant to today's society. I don't believe it gets the attention it deserves considering the potential dangerous effects it may have on us as a species and our environment. There are many things that COULD be done about it, unfortunely there isn't much that WILL be done. There arfe small steps that are taken to slow down or eliminate the effects, alternative power sources, hybrid vehicles, etc. However, in the end it is the larger scale problems such as factories and power plants that cause the majority of the problems. So it is not our policy that should change, we should just start doing what we've been saying to do all along.
48. I believe that the policy on global warming should be taken fairly seriously. Though global warming is a process that takes many many years to see large changes, times now are at a high point. I think the average temperature has risen 2 degrees globally over the past year. This can be devastating to some habitats such as arctic climates and the speicies that survive in those habitats. It is impossible to prevent global warming, but it can be slowed with by not using aerosol products and other polluants that deplete the ozone layer. Hopefully this can be slowed so that survival for all species does not become questionable.
49. I think that our policy on global warming should act as a protecting force. The effects of pollution on the environment is going to make living here on earth harder for us as a civilization. I think we should take steps to prevent global warming, and to clean up our own mess. I think it would be better to make policies that are going to strike at the heart of the problem (Not polluting the earth) then to have policies that were created to fix a problem that has already occurred. Hold the culprits that aid in global warming accountable for what they do (major corporations that pollute the air, Car companies that produce vehicles with bad emission control, etc).
50. There are several ways we can slow down the course of global warming. However, I do feel that it is almost impossible to stop it completely. Global warming is caused by pollution, which in the long run damages the o-zone layer. If we could find a way to cut back on the amount of pollution we humans produce, then we are on the right track to slowing down global warming. We can do things such as using public transportation, recycling, and anything that will help clean up the environment. One thing we can do is adopt the idea of electric cars. This would cut back on the amount of air pollution, and save lots of money on gas. But there is always going to be people out there who want more power and use gas cars, trucks, bus’s, etc… So no matter what we do, it is going to be difficult to end global worming all together.
51. Because the average human's ambitions are centered around making money, the end of the greenhouse effect is far off in the future. Yes, we are making some progress in such areas as solar powered cars and greenhouse gas inventories, but factories will continue to produce, and people will keep pn making money to buy the things we need and desire. Our policy SHOULD be to not find ways around the factories but to find a whole different way of producing capital. What we should do is not be so set in the ways of greed, but use what were given as people did thousands of years ago. But is that realistic? I doubt it. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
52. Global Warming is such a hard subject to have a policy about becuase it is something, in my mind, that is going to happen no matter what we do to stop it. It has been happening forever and has increased incredibly since the Industrial Revolution, yet to me there really is no policy that can be written up or determined. The idea that we can help slow it down is something that I believe in, but I am not educated enough to know exactly what things are the main cause of the warming. To me, people need to be educated then we can all work together to slow it down and maybe, just maybe stop it all together.
53. Global warming is a natural process that we have no control over. It can be caused by both internal and external processes. For example, some external changes are/ could be in the Earth's orbit around the sun and how much energy the sun emits. There is no way for humans to control this so therefore we cannot have a policy about it. It obviously wouldnt work. However, there are the internal processes to consider as well. These we have more contol over. They are the changes in our climate system. Our air pollution is not entirely to blame for the changes occuring in the climate systems, but it is certainly a major contributer to the issue. I think that while this problem is not entirely our fault or anything that we can totally control we should do something to curb the amounts of air pollution. I would suggest that stricter air pollution policies should be enforced.
54. Global warming seems to be a big issue these days. With all the toxins being put into the air, aerosol spray cans, and pure laziness on behalf of people, we wonder why the ozone is being depleted. With the depletion of the ozone comes stronger UV rays, and a warmer planet. We all realize that this is a problem when it comes to the ice melting in the north and south poles; and that skin cancer is more and more common these days. So why does nobody act? Nobody, myself included, believes that they alone can really make a difference. It is true; but if everyone changes their habits, including big companies, then a change will occur. Commercials and advertisements should be made to inform people of what changing their habits can do for the good of mankind; so that we don’t end up fossilized like wooly mammoths under ice from the melted poles.
55. Global warming has been a concern for our earth for many years. I believe to help slow down the process of global warming; there should be more environmental regulation. Such as stricter emission control programs for cars all over the world. Also automobile manufactures could research and perfect electric cars. Also scientists could research different forms of energy. Also if the U.S government made industrial hemp legal, we would be able to use less precious natural resources. Another precaution we can take would be regulating pollution control in cities and any other industrial areas,
56. I personally believe that global warming needs to be controlled in a severe way. If this is not stoped soon it will be irreversible and the destruction of Earth. I think that the policy on global warming is to do everything possible such as putting more money into more efficient cars, solar heat and power, and also less polution from factories. This needs to be monitored and dealt with by the United States Government. They need to create a section of the government that will create or pay corporations to create new environment safe things and also new types of heat, energy and cars. This would help the global warming issue and is something that needs to be done.
57. I’m not really sure quite what to make of the whole ‘global warming’ issue. I haven’t really kept up-to-the-minute on what’s going on. I do remember that a few years ago, there was the Kyoto Conference which, among other things, talked about what to do about global warming and ozone depletion. I also think I’ve heard recently that the United States is refusing to participate in agreements such as that. I believe that this is wrong for the U.S. to do. While no one really has the solution for global warming right now, refusing to participate in things such as the Kyoto treaty is just really stupid.
58. Global warming is a serious issue that affects people all over the world. It is caused by the emission of gasses such as Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide, and it directly affects the weather, pollution, the hole in the ozone layer, and our futures. To relate this to wooly mammoths, global warming could slightly de-thaw the ground in places like Siberia causing preserved mammoth bodies to decay. Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream has recently created a new kind of ice cream called One Sweet Whirled, named after the Dave Matthews Band song One Sweet World. This new ice cream goes along with Ben and Jerry’s campaign against global warming. What they are doing is simply letting people know what global warming is, what it does, and how we can prevent it. Their long term goal is to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by 10% by 2007. A little information can go a long way, and I admire what Ben and Jerry’s is doing. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion and as a new insight.).)
59. Global warming is definitely a problem that needs to be looked at by both scientists and government officials. It is true that any major effects on the Earth won’t be seen for thousands of years, but it is important to take care of the planet now and help preserve it for the future. Unfortunately, scientists and environmental groups cannot combat this problem on their own. The government is needed to step in and make new policies to regulate industrial and agricultural practices that harm the environment. I believe that the world is ready to take action and change the way things are; all that is left is for our leaders to take control of the situation.
60. Regarding the global warming policy, i am not sure what you mean by the question but there can bel imits on certian things, regulated by the government's evironmental protection agency. There should be regulations set for individual households. If all households individually follow the same guideline it will make big difference combined. For exmaple, by running your dishwasher with full loads only, 200 punds of CO2 can be saved a year. Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot and you could save up to 500 hundred pounds a year for two loads a week. If you wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket you can save up to 100o pounds a year. there are many individual things each family could do that would cut CO2 emmisions tremendously. Opinion article: What is a good policy for global warming? Tim Klein
61. Global warming, like a disease that has invaded an immune system undetected, is a problem that should have been dealt with long ago. The effects of global warming have become increasingly worse, and now is the time to try to stop it. Extreme measures must be taken to slow the effects of global warming. The U.S. government should put more of an emphasis on carpooling, and things of that nature, as car pollution is one of the #1 factors of global warming. When trying to purchase a car, the buyer should have to give several reasons why they need to own a car. This would cut down on excessive car use and in turn help control global warming.
62. I pesonally believe that global warming should be a high proirity of governments around the world. Distribution of CFCs and other harmful chemicals that eat away at the ozone layer should be highly restricted and monitored. This is a worldwide problem and one that cannot be ignored. Funding for scientific research on this matter should be increased as well. New methods for controlling global warming could be discovered. Global warming should become an even higher priority for its effects can be fatal. For example, ice caps in the arctic are melting more and more everyday. This could cause a worldwide flood and bury the planet beneath the sea. Also, the rays from the sun (intensified becuase of the lack of protection from the ozone layer) could lead to serious health problems for humans and all life on earth.
63. I really feel that there definitely can't be a policy on something that doesn't exist. So what if some summers are a little hotter then others before, it is just the cycle of the weather pattern that year. Just the same, the summer after that could very well be cooler than that of ones before. As far as I' am concerned when the polar ice caps start melting and causing my back yard to turn into a gigantic swimming pool, then you can come and talk to me about developing a plan for "global warming."
64. I believe that global warming is one of the biggest issues in our world today. Because of problems like pollution control, the hole in the ozone layer is getting bigger, and it causes the earth to have less protection and gain more heat from the sun. This is bad for many reasons; a few include droughts, extinction of animals who cannot adapt, and a higher use of electricity for things such as air conditioning. I believe our policy should be to help reduce air pollution. A few ways to do this are to regulate the gasses that come out of cars, force big factories with smoke stacks to get filters, and we should stop cutting down so many trees, because they help filter the environment.
65. I must say that a policy that has to be made about a matter dealing with nature, such as global warming, is not easy. How could we know if everyone is actually following this policy? But it does make sense to create a general policy that pertains to the majority of people and major contributors of global warming.
The policy should have a basic definition that describes what global warming is and what it does. For example, global warming is the radical changes in climate due to increased temperature over a certain amount of time that endangers or is a threat to any type of life a particular environment.
And as for some of the people and contributors it should be focused on are people driving automobiles, factories, or other large sources that emit a lot of heat energy. Some solutions are carpooling or finding another ways of transportation to conserve energy. Factories and other large sources that emit a lot of heat energy should also conserve energy by decreasing the amount of heat energy that is produced on a yearly basis.
66. Many scientists believe that global warming is the result of human activity, while others believe that the growth in greenhouse gases is part of earth’s natural cycle. Scientists that feel that human activity is the cause of the increased global gases have estimated that at the current pace the average temperature on earth is expected to increase by between 2.2 to 10°F over the next 100 years. This temperature change would have devastating effects on ecosystems. Other researchers believe that the increased temperature is a result of a natural cycle and that human activity plays only a minor role in the change of global greenhouse gases. In 1995, a panel formed by the United Nations determined that man-made source emissions account for less than 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. I believe that until more data can be collected and analyzed an appropriate policy regarding greenhouse gases emission can not be made. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
67. Global warming has been a major problem in the last several years and has raised several questions. I think that the policy for global warming should be taken much more seriously. The pollution we are putting into the atmosphere is much too great. I think laws should be harsher on this subject. In my opinion there must be mandatory checks on all vehicles, including farm equipment every year to see if the machine is letting out too much pollution. Also, the amounts on how much pollution factories can let out should be decreased. Global warming needs to be taken care of or the future generations to come are going to have serious problems.