Monday, March 31, 2014

Article of the Week- Period 3- Due 4/4

Read the op-ed.  Consider the author's tone, structure of the article, validity of evidence, persuasive techniques, and your personal reaction.  
2. Please add an intelligent comment (minimum 5 sentences) in response to the linked articles from The New York Times.  Be sure to use a minimum of one quote in your response.
3. Optional: Comment on a classmates post in a second post (minimum 3 sentences)
*Use only your first name, last initial and class period.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/31/science/earth/panels-warning-on-climate-risk-worst-is-yet-to-come.html?action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&region=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article

17 comments:

  1. The future of the world and climate change is not looking too bright after reading this article. We all must understand the consequences we will endure because of the pollution and destruction we have created as a population. The article states, "Throughout the 21st century, climate-change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps, the latter particularly in urban areas and emerging hotspots of hunger”. We will all be effected by climate change, if we haven't already. Hurricane Sandy was small compared to the potential, future impacts of climate change. It's time to make some drastic changes if we, as a world, want any hope in turning these effects around. This involves a great deal of money and a motivated public crowd. The time to change needs to be now, or soon it will be too late.
    Claire Paterson
    Period 3

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  2. I am happy to see that the severe climate change or global warming is coming to the desks of some of the more important people in the world. Although I still remain annoyed as it is long overdue and my worries that something will be done aren't silent, for the moment, I am satisfied. This article- albeit having some grammatical errors I found along the way- takes a very serious tone about how dangerous the climate change is. The article itself isn't biased, but rather conveys a warning- climate change is real, for all of you non-believers out there- and it comes with a hefty price.
    I was not surprised, however, to find the theme of the article switch from how awful climate change is to how much it'll affect humans and their economy and food. In the text it says, "In particular, the report emphasized that the world’s food supply is at considerable risk — a threat that could have serious consequences for the poorest nations," and "The report attempts to project how the effects will alter human society in coming decades," "It cited the risk of death or injury on a wide scale, probable damage to public health, displacement of people and potential mass migrations," and many more. I say that I am not surprised because humans tend to only think for themselves, as the way of human nature. While it was hinted upon the consequences of other species ("...coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct.") it was blanketed by how climate change would affect humans. It went more into detail on the extreme cases of climate change as if all the consequences were to happen at once instead of GRADUALLY, such as migration and ruined towns and cities by the glaciers melting and the water level rising.
    While I am not surprised that we turned our attention to ourselves, as per usual, I was disgusted that a New York Times article would mainly talk about the effects on humans. I could find ten more articles by publishing agencies of lower popularity that go into more detail on the effect of climate change on the ENTIRE world, and I'd honestly rather do so.
    Nevertheless, this article was educational, along with the comments which brought to light new points of view. I believe that something should be done about climate change, a human-caused global catastrophe, immediately and that it should be every nation's main concern as it is our duty to right our wrongs and not destroy our planet and the innocents who inhabit it.
    Megan Glynn Period 3

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  3. I personally really enjoyed this article because the environment and its future are of high interest to me. I was glad to finally read an article posted by an influential organization that, " told it how it is," instead of denying the truth. The world is in grave peril, and if changes aren't made quickly and efficiently from this point on, the downhill spiral will continue infinity. We live in the age of consumption and freedom that tempts and distracts society from the environmentally degraded surroundings that currently exist. But this isn't some game where once you lose, you always have a second chance, this is reality, and there is only ONE earth, and were putting it in danger. I don't know how many signs that the world needs to hint to society in order for us to change, but according to our actions in the past, we don't band together until its almost too late. Although, we cant afford to risk the planet's well being. One quote stated in the article that supports my standpoint mentions, “There are those who say we can’t afford to act,” Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. “But waiting is truly unaffordable. The costs of inaction are catastrophic.” This quote is so significant because it reiterates the fact that cost is no longer the question, but survival. People in third world countries are paying the price for developed counties actions, and we refuse to reimburse them for the absence of food and water that was caused by the emissions and pollutants originating from over seas. Farmers in the mid west of the U.S cant make a living to support their families or businesses anymore due to the lack of precipitation since the snow is melting earlier on in the year. And their attempt at a solution is increasing irrigation water which is then taken from the public and marine ecosystems, or adding more pesticides to their crops to have a higher yield. Places such as Venice are literally being swallowed by heightened water levels while in locations such as once forested land in Africa struggle with drought. In APES I remember talking about the switch of agricultural products as well, explaining why wine which could never before be produced in England, is now becoming a popular purchase. Soon the grain belt in the U.S will dry up, and places such as not industrialized Pennsylvanian will have to pick up the slack in order to address the increasing population and demand for food. Lastly, Michel Jarraud stated, “Now we are at the point where there is so much information, so much evidence, that we can no longer plead ignorance." This quote is inspirational to me because it makes me feel as if something really may begin to happen, because the government and other energy dependent companies can no longer hide or disagree with the fact that climate change is happening, because its right in front of us. Its also a positice sign to see that the people commenting on the article are all very opinionated on the topic and agree that something has to be done. Maybe not in a literal form, but climate change is currently affecting every human being on the planet in regards to various contributors. Change is necessary, and its needs to happen now, because the earth isn't just going to sit around and wait for us to make a move. Because in the current scheme of things, the earth is winning the game predicting our lives, in aim to cause complete environmental destruction at the hand of climate change.
    Alyssa Case
    Period 3

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  4. I believe climate change is a very serious matter. As humans, we do not care about our environment that much, and the truth from this is apparent in the way we treat our surroundings. People do not realize how "ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are coming under stress, heat waves and heavy rains are intensifying, coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct" (Panel’s Warning on Climate Risk: Worst Is Yet to Come, Justin Gillis). This abuse to the environment is due to our greenhouse emissions, and if we do not decrease these emissions it will only get worse. The author of this article provided many facts and made sure to keep the topic interesting, it wasn't your typical boring article on how global warming is bad. For example the authour, Justin Gillis, states,"In particular, the report emphasized that the world’s food supply is at considerable risk — a threat that could have serious consequences for the poorest nations". This shows how he is capable of catching the reader's attention and adding facts.
    Gabby White
    Period 3

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  5. Climate change is a serious issue that needs to be at the priority for our nation and the the whole world. This article is disturbing to me, however I already knew most of the consequences that climate change is causing. The article says, "“Throughout the 21st century, climate-change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps, the latter particularly in urban areas and emerging hot spots of hunger.” Unfortunately, it's a cycle that is difficult to break, especially by ourselves. The article says, "Organic matter frozen in Arctic soils since before civilization began is now melting, allowing it to decay into greenhouse gases that will cause further warming, the scientists said." The problem isn't occurring in the future, it's happening now and effects are already being noticed. Hurricane Sandy was a small example of a problem that is going to get much worse. Climate change requires global action which is complicated and can be expensive. However, countries need to make the dollar sacrifice in order to save lives down the road.

    Eleanor Hall
    Period 3

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  6. Most of us know that climate change has effected the environment and ecosystem for quite sometime now, and with this new information, hopefully more action will be taken to stop and prevent anymore damage being done. The world as we know it may change, "And the worst is yet to come", Because of our actions all around the world, the earth is being damaged along with all it's inhabitants. "Ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are coming under stress, heat waves and heavy rains are intensifying, coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct." The angers me and obviously everyone around the world because this could have been prevented. We could have taken the signs more seriously and maybe if everyone changed their actions even the slightest, the world may be a different place today. Of course, the past cannot be changed, but now that these reports are out, hopefully laws will be passed to protect the environment and people will take it more seriously. By doing this, we hopefully can prevent any more further damage being done.

    Emma S per 3

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  7. After reading this article i am more aware of the state our earth is in. As a population we have destroyed the land we live on. The amount of pollution that is in our atmosphere is disgusting. We are slowly destroying our oceans and effecting the climate. The rapid climate change is effecting all parts of the earth. The article says, "The oceans are rising at a pace that threatens coastal communities and are becoming more acidic as they absorb some of the carbon dioxide given off by cars and power plants, which is killing some creatures or stunting their growth, the report found." The height of the water is now beginning to affect the people. Communities are having to relocate and when the littlest rainstorm comes they are having to evacuate. As a population and a community we have to work now to change this growing problem so it doesn't get worse in the future. Our children are going to be the ones affected and we have to put a stop to it now.
    Michaela Spinello
    Period 3

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  8. The issue of climate change is one that we are never going to be able to escape if we do not do anything about soon. Some say that climate change but it most certainly is not and, "Nobody is going to be untouched by the impacts of climate change." What I found very interesting was something that I had previously not associated with climate change This quote,"Throughout the 21st century, climate-change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps" made me aware of the direct affect climate change will have on economic issues. There is going to be more competition to scarce resources which will further more create a gap between upper and lower social classes. Its not often that one has to think about their foods security either. I dont think we will understand the full effect that climate change has on our foods security until there is a shortage of food in our local stop and shop. To prevent these problems we need to take action now.Money is going to be needed and lots of it. But it will be worth it when we are all still on this earth living comfortably in 70 years. Climate change has never been more of an issue as it is today and we need to take immediate action to help all of earths inhabitants.
    Elena Muniz
    Period 3

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  9. The topic of climate change has been up for debate for years, but now almost every scientist agrees that something must be done. Climate change may be more harmful than we first thought, "Throughout the 21st century, climate-change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps." Much has to be done by people all across the globe to prevent the expansion of global warming. Another disturbing fact is that as a result of the melting glaciers, more greenhouse gases are being released, so at this point, there is not too much that we can do.

    Kevin Cox
    Period 3

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  10. Global climate change is a huge problem facing our world. As we've seen by our own climate something is really wrong. The other morning it was snowing and that afternoon i was running without a shirt on in 50 degree weather. It just doesn't make sense anymore. We have been having colder winters, hotter summers, and the ranges of these seasons vary as well. There has been all new sets of record low temperatures this past year and it is insane. Around the world, the "Mediterranean regions are drying out because of climate change, and some experts believe that droughts there have contributed to political destabilization in the Middle East and North Africa." The climate change isn't just affecting temperatures but effect people and how they are living their everyday lives. It also countries economies in that "farmers will not be able to keep up with the fast-rising demand for food." The global climate change is going to cripple our world economy. There has to be a change soon. Whether its driving bans or solar power installation around the world, but something has to be change.
    Alec Janis

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  11. Climate change is a very serious problem that more people need to understand. The whole "global warming" campaigns make me very frustrated because that sets the thought in people's minds that the world temperatures are just going up, so when a big snow storm happens people tend to laugh at "global warming". The world does have natural period of cooling and warming, climate change is a issue because recently these periods are longer and more extreme than ever before. Climate change is a global problem, therefore more countries need to make an effort to cut carbon emissions. I think that if these panels keep happening and these countries truly do make an effort to slow the effects of global warming, only good things can happen.
    Francesca M
    Per 3

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  12. The topic of climate change is a tricky one. A lot of people say that it's a natural thing and it has nothing to do with human activity, but data really does prove otherwise. One of the worst aspects of climate change is that we create the issue here in developed countries, while people in other countries have to deal with them more directly. In the article it says, "The poorest people in the world, who have had virtually nothing to do with causing global warming, will be high on the list of victims as climatic disruptions intensify." First of all, this obviously isn't fair to people living in poverty, but it also makes it much less likely that we change our ways, since we aren't having to really deal with the problems we are creating. I think the solution to climate change is people and awareness and willingness to change the environment for the better.
    Jennifer G.

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  13. The problems related to climate change are unlimited, “...ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are coming under stress, heat waves and heavy rains are intensifying, coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct.” Global warming was always on the news, but it never go so big as today. It used to be a small concern but it has grown to be such a problem where animals are getting extinct. This completely relates to the other article we read last week about the de-extinction of mammoth. People like Ben Novak are more concerned about the animals that went extinct and are planning to give so much time and infinite amount of money to get them back. Rather, it would be so much better to spend that time, money and hard work on saving these animals from getting extinct.
    “‘Throughout the 21st century, climate-change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps, the latter particularly in urban areas and emerging hot spots of hunger,’ the report declared.” I was aware that global warming was always a concern but I never laid it out like this and saw how bad the situation was. It’s extremely damaging in every way. We all are responsible for this. And the fact that very less is being done to improve the problems related to global warming is upsetting. At this point its very difficult to go back and fix the problems, but we have no other option. All the public, all around the world should be aware of this problem as acting alone is not going to bring much change.
    ~Shilpa R Period 3

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  14. It's no myth that the world around us is changing. There is undeniable evidence showing that our planets' climate has been changing at a rate that has not been seen throughout its history. The world is heating up and the reason for it is directly correlated to human activity. This phenomenon known as global warming or more technically climate change. While climate change is caused by us it also affects us in a big way too. According to the article climate change is causing the supply of crops to fall beneath demand leaving people starving in developing countries. The ironic thing is that, "The poorest people in the world, who have had virtually nothing to do with causing global warming, will be high on the list of victims." This in my opinion is very unjust because even though this was all caused by developed countries that over consume and waste, the backlash hasn't hit us as hard as those who are struggling to get along. The solution to this crisis is for us, those living in developed countries, to change their lifestyles, to one that is less wasteful, and that is sustainable.
    Justin Campos
    Period 3

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  15. I like how this article touched on the severity of climate change. In Apes we have learned in detail about climate change and its effects. It has changed precipitation patterns, and will change agricultural hot spots around the world. We as Americans like to blame the undeveloped countries for our global climate problems. We say that it is their less developed technologies that are not as good at removing toxic chemicals. In reality we see that it is developed countries leading the way to climate change, with such high outputs of emissions from our large and developed fossil fuel industries"The poorest people in the world, who have had virtually nothing to do with causing global warming, will be high on the list of victims." I believe that we have to work as a nation and as all the nations together to move past this. We need to think of the benefits for everyone, and everyone has to pitch in if they want to see any major changes. It is a team effort, and climate change will affect the entire world. It is our duty to lend a helping hand to countries that are not as capable of preventing it in their countries.
    Mike B Per 3

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  16. Climate change is occurring, quite rapidly, and this article proves that; we will all be affected one way or another in the near future, that is, if we aren’t being affected already. In the back of my mind, I always knew climate change was happening, but I never knew to what extent. Thankfully, this article notified me.
    Everyone knows the “basics” of climate change: the polar ice caps are melting, thus polar bears may become extinct. In addition to this commonly known fact, there are many others that center around this. For example, the article states, “The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations group that periodically summarizes climate science, concluded that ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are coming under stress, heat waves and heavy rains are intensifying, coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct.” If there is proof from a highly regarded group of individuals, why are some people still doubting that climate change/global warming is occurring? Quite frankly, you shouldn’t even need to have someone tell you; just walk outside and you’ll know something isn’t right.
    In this passage, there is mention of many affects, some not just directly rooted with the environment; there is mention of some economic troubles. For example, it states, “…a World Bank estimate(s) that poor countries need as much as $100 billion a year to try to offset the effects of climate change; they are now getting, at best, a few billion dollars a year in such aid from rich countries.” One of the most important things in the world is safety. Although many countries believe that they are ensuring the safety of their people, or it’s “more important to worry about the citizens,” the fact of the matter is that if we don’t preserve the environment, things will start to have a drastic affect on us.
    At this point, it will undoubtedly be difficult to try to counteract the affects of climate change, but does that mean we shouldn’t try? When you get down to it, it seems as though the more developed nations are the ones doing the greatest damage, when one would think this wouldn’t be the case. With that said, it is those developed nations that need to start the domino affect and start to really help preserve the environment. Plant a tree. Recycle. Compost. Little steps can make big differences when done in great numbers.

    Period 3

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  17. Climate change cant be ignored anymore, although many would like to. It's grown to be a big problem and it's directly related to us, which makes it even more difficult to avoid the issue because we are the reason its gotten as bad as it is. We have to take the responsibility of starting change, any change is good. We need to get the word out and find a way to instigate the idea that we are the reason for this issue, so we have to be the solution.
    Cara B
    period 3

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