What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?
Global warming is real and it is happening. Of late, this statement has been a disputable issue among many, with deniers questioning the notion and alarmists pushing hard for its recognition (Carter, 2008). Fact is, a convincing number of scientists around the world have agreed to this: global warming is unequivocal (Riebeek, 2007), and the sad part is, it is anthropogenic (Woodford, 2006). To provide a rough idea, global warming is the gradual rising of Earth’s temperature caused mainly by the greenhouse effect (Woodford, 2006). It may be easy to shrug global warming off as nonsensical, but its potential effects could be the scourge of the modern millennium if they are not addressed quickly and precisely.
To start off, weather patterns could be much more erratic than what we could ever imagine. This translates to heavier rainfall and snowfall, longer periods of drought and flood, more hurricanes, storms and heatwaves (Woodford, 2006). In 2004 alone, a record of ten hurricanes swept across major oceans in the world. More shockingly, Brazil, surrounded by the hurricane-free South Atlantic, recorded its first ever hurricane that year. Still, the worst was Hurricane Katrina. The 2006 catastrophe flattened the entire town of New Orleans, carrying away innocent victims and precious assets (An inconvenient truth - a global warming, 2007, film on DVD, Paramount Pictures. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.). This comes to show that whether we wish to acknowledge it or not, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, posing greater risks for civilians. Millions of people could be left permanently homeless since properties are subject to destruction during these phenomena (Woodford, 2006). Indirectly, the insurance industry could also be severely affected due to massive destructions and horrendous deaths.
Besides that, heat generated from global warming warms the oceans, prompting two possibilities which lead to increasing sea level. When temperatures rise, the ocean’s temperature follows suit. The heated amount of water expands and takes up a bigger volume, leading to a rise in sea level. Consequently, rapid beach erosion may occur, leaving low-lying nations such as Bangladesh and Maldives submerged in water (Riebeek, 2007). The second explanation is that glaciers and ice sheets, too, may melt under higher temperatures, channelling more water into the oceans (Woodford, 2006). Retreating glaciers could simply mean that the beauty of glaciers in places such as the Kilimanjoro may vanish within a decade or so. (An inconvenient truth - a global warming, 2007, film on DVD, Paramount Pictures. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.).
The most straight-forward solution is by having countries to commit to ending climate change through various government policies. Sad to say, however, the one thing that is hindering the progress is the fear of losing out economically for most developed countries (Woodford, 2006). This needs to be changed, and change has to come quick. Picture this: the Earth is on one side of the balance, and the abundant resources and wealth that come with it lay on the other side. As commented by Al Gore in The Inconvenient Truth, governments need to realise that without a planet, everything means nothing. By acting wisely instead, we can create more wealth and jobs. Most importantly, we move forward. To sum it up, wise policies are essentially the key to curbing global warming.
On another note, we can try reducing our personal carbon dioxide emissions by living greener. For instance, use energy-saving fluorescent lamps, switch to renewable energy, drive with better fuel economy in mind and reduce the usage of air-conditioning (Woodford, 2006). In fact, cycling or walking to work is also feasible. These may seem insignificant, but the power of every individual can never be underestimated because it takes our concerted effort to combat global warming.
In a nutshell, erratic weather patterns and a rise in sea level are some of the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change. There could be more added to the list, however, if we continue to play deaf to the festering problems. Failing to address global warming properly will bring dire consequences to the environment and us ultimately. The solutions, whether personally or through government policies, are simple, yet requiring unwavering determination and will. The global warming message is clear: it is about time we save this planet in peril.
1. Is there a clear introductory sentence that introduces the subject matter and the controlling idea? What do you suggest for improvement if the introductory sentence is not clear?
The introductory sentence is very clear about the subject - Global warming. Very short and straightforward.
2. Is there a thesis statement given as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph? Is it clear and connected to all the topic sentences of the body paragraphs?
The thesis statement is there. It is related to the topic sentence of the body paragraphs which focused on the potential effects of global warming and ways to address the issue. I think it would be better if she mentioned the potential effects are in terms of climate change so that the thesis statement would be more connected.
3. Do the paragraphs have sufficient supporting details and examples? How can the organization be improved?
All the paragraphs are supported well. But the length of the paragraphs are not even. The 2nd paragraph seem to be a bit too long while the last 2 look a bit short.
But this could be because of the citations. In the first paragraph, I also think it is unnecessary to cite Woodford twice. There is too much citation in the earlier paragraphs compared to the rest. I also would like to point out that the essay would look better if the paragprahs are almost equal in length. =)
4. Are there any paragraphs which are not supported well?
There seem to be none.
5. Are there any sentences or sections that are not clear? If so, how can they be improved?
For paragraph 3, I think the last sentence seem to be out of place for some reason. The paragraph is focused on the rise of sea levels. Suddenly switching to the loss of nature's beauty is a bit off. Perhaps changing the sentence or adding more would make it more connected?
6. Does the conclusion summarize all the main points given in the essay or restate the thesis statement? Is it clear? If not, how can the writer improve this part?
Yes, she summarized all the main points in the essay. I think it's quite clear to the reader.
7. Does the writer cite the sources adequately and appropriately? Note any incorrect citation.
For the citation of the documentary film, I think it is unnecessary to mention the director and the publisher. Enough with just the title and the year. The other sources are properly cited.
8. Are there any apparent grammatical or spelling mistakes?
Paragraph 3 "..lead to increasing sea level." should be 'lead to increase of sea levels'.
In paragraph 4, in shoule be 'to end' instead of "..to commit to ending climate change..".
I don't see other any grammatical or spelling mistakes in the essay.
9. Does the writer comprehensively cover appropriate materials available from the standard sources? If no, what is missing?
All the sources covered in the essay. She did a very good job on this. But I think she did get a fact wrong. Hurricane Katrina happened in 2005, not 2006. =)
10. Additional comments:
This is a very good essay. Vast vocabulary and proper sentences made it a very solid piece of writing. The last sentence holds a very significant message - Mother Earth needs saving and it is our job to do so. On overall, excellent job, I would say. =)