Science: Global Warming

What is it?

Global warming is caused by carbon buildup in the atmosphere, which creates a thick “shell” of buildup on the earth’s outer atmosphere. Instead of heat from sunlight dispersing towards the poles and flowing of into deep space, this heat is being trapped by the “shell”. This carbon buildup is caused by emissions from cars (and other means of transportation), factories, coal plants; basically through burning fossil fuels. Global warming is a serious issue because it affects the entire world. Even though the earth’s temperatures change naturally, global warming has caused the ocean’s temperature to rise which can cause storms to be stronger and more frequent as the waters are warmer. Hence the more hectic weather the world has had this past decade (typhoons, hurricanes, tropical storms, droughts and floods). It also causes the glaciers to melt, which causes the sea to rise, flooding low-level areas.



What do I think?

Global Warming:

In my opinion, global warming is a serious issue that people should look very closely at before choosing a candidate to support. It could end the world eventually—it could end us. Protecting our environment now is important instead of leaving it to future generations. It is going to get a lot worse before it gets any better. The candidates in this election should be able to unite everyone in the world—that is the one common factor we share. We are all in the same world and all in this together, so we all need to work together because it is everyone’s problem. Global communications, tact, and diplomacy will be important as there are many nations that simply do not work well together because of their history.



What do they think?

Issue: National Park Funding/Promoting "Green" Habits (Recycling, etc.)

John McCain believes in adding extra funding to the national parks. He has called them "the crown jewels of America". They are underfunded, and he says he will change this. He also believes in promoting energy efficient products.

Barack Obama plans to work with people who own land privately to conserve wetlands, national parks and forests, and the coast. He encourages organic farming and agriculture.

Issue: Global Warming/ Green House Emissions

John McCain: He considers this a serious issue like many other politicians. He wants to cut down on mercury emissions, and he has backed many EPA standards that limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by large factories.

Barack Obama has similar views to McCain. He also sees this as a huge problem, and wants to set limits for the amount of emissions a company can produce. If they go over the limit, the company will be fined, and then that money can used towards alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, biodiesel and geothermal.