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A Skeptic's View of Global Warming

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Submitted By bhmiller0
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Brad Miller

Final Research Paper

Steve Oberlechner

English 102

30 April 2010

A Skeptic’s View of Global Warming

Is global warming really happening? Is it something that we should truly fear, and if so, why? Scientists and other climate experts have been trying to answer these important questions and many others concerning global climate change for decades. Before one can truly delve into the details of global warming, it is important to define the concept. The entire study of climate change is difficult to explain, and is not yet fully understood by scientists. However, global warming can be simply described as the process of the earth’s atmosphere increasing in temperature due to the presence of greenhouse gases, which include carbon dioxide and are produced through the burning of fossil fuels and various other means. These gasses are actually part of Earth’s natural processes, for they trap heat that allows Earth’s temperature to sustain life. The effects of this process can be seen as a blessing and a curse. Just the right amount of them helps the earth maintain a somewhat constant temperature; too much may cause temperatures to rise to frightening heights. Since 1880, when instruments used to precisely measure atmospheric temperatures were invented, the Earth’s surface temperature has risen about 0.36° F for each decade up to the twenty first century (Voiland). This information presents a clear warning about the matter: that global warming is present and cannot be ignored.

Most extremists feel that global warming will lead to dire consequences and that the safety of humankind is at stake. On the other hand, some skeptics of global warming continue to question the validity of the scientific research regarding changes in climate. Some take an extreme, pessimistic view towards the future of climate change. According to former vice president Al Gore,

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