Blog Stage 5: Global Warming; A Rise For Concern

Many say global warming is a myth, even when faced with the unequivocal truth that the Earth is warming. On the contrary, many scientists agree that global warming is the direct result of carbon dioxide emissions that stem from human activity. Despite the fact that carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is being released into the atmosphere daily and the fact that the temperature has been steadily rising since the previous century, there are many who choose not to believe it, despite any credible evidence that suggests otherwise. 

I believe that increased CO2 emissions is one of the reasons for global warming, if not the main cause. It's the slow steady accumulation of decades of CO2 emission that is why we see polar ice melting at increased rates. My main concern is how our government is dealing with this increase in temperature and CO2 emissions. I argue that their should be an increase in regulation of oil and gas in an attempt to reduce CO2 emissions, and in turn reduce the temperature to a level in which polar ice is no longer melting at the rate we see today, as well as reduce pollutants being released into our cities.

Now whether you believe that we humans are to blame for global warming, or if you even believe in global warming at all, I still think it prudent to at least consider a policy that would regulate carbon dioxide emissions from sources such as motor vehicles and other various fossil fuel plants. While carbon dioxide is a natural component in Earth's atmosphere, pollution is detrimental to humans and animals, and carbon dioxide accounts "for about 84% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities" (EPA). For this reason, I believe it is imperative that we act now rather than slowly let CO2 levels rise to dangerous levels. Whether the government is already considering increasing regulation on oil or not, I believe it is necessary. 

You may completely disagree with my argument, but I believe that increasing oil regulation is at least a step toward reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The government could also increase funding for alternative energy programs that could in the future render oil and gas obsolete, but seeing as how our government is in a financial bind, that is not as realistic as a legislative policy that would increase oil regulation. This policy would not be a solution, but a step towards a solution. With each step, we can reach the end goal which is to greatly reduce carbon dioxide and its effects.

Source: "Greenhouse Gas Emissions"