TALKING POINTS: Global Warming

Is human society accelerating global warming? There is a discernible human impact on global warming through deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere by industry and our everyday lives. It seems difficult for science to discern the exact amount of global warming acceleration attributable to human societies, but there is evidence that the modern human lifestyle is contributing to global warming and climate change. What is the scientific evidence and how do climate models hold up for predicting the future of climate change?

What are the potential changes to our ecosystems? Wildlife habitat and biological diversity are in some ways already being affected by global climate change. Fish populations could be seriously impacted by major flooding or water termperature changes, both in the ocean and in feshwater. The duck population and other water fowl populations could be adversely affected by drought and lack of wetlands. Arctic ecosystems are in danger of disappearing through glacier melt, leaving species like the polar bear faced with the possibility of extinction.
Links: National Geographic, Natural Resources Defense Council, World Sea Fishing News

How will climate change affect the environment? Scientists, through climate models and other mechanisms, have predicted every outcome from increased flooding to increased wildfires, and more rain to drought. Several scientists have studied the impact of climate change on the severity of weather; namely hurricanes and tropical storms. Sea level rise could potentially flood out several areas of the United States. Scientists who have studied the El Nino ocscillations fear that future storm systems will become more intense over time with the current level of global warming. Snowpack and frozen lands in the Western United States could melt, threatening municipal water supplies and irrigation of agricultural lands during the hottest summer months.
Links: Global Warming and Wildfires, PEW Center on Global Climate Change

Are carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pollutants? Should they be regulated in industry like other emissions? Government regulation of industry and auto emissions has cut down on air pollution. If greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide were regulted, the two main causes of human acceleration of global warming would be greatly curbed: auto and industrial emissions. What would the effect on the US auto indutry be if carbon dioxide were regulated? How would industries like oil extraction and energy production deal with carbon dioxide regulations?
Links: Christian Science Monitor on regulating CO2

How can we change our lifestyles to reduce the impacts of global warming? Global warming is happening, but scientists, industry and environmentalists are still arguing over what the potential impacts are. One thing is agreed: the data show a link between human-created emissions and accelerated global warming. How can we change our lives to reduce our impact on global warming? Some believe that nuclear energy is the solution, while others believe we need to turn to renewable and alternative energy sources. How can state-level policy decisions help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Can we begin to change our energy and industrial infrastructure now, or are we too heavily vested in our current oil-dependent paradigm?
Links: Union of Concerned Scientists, Harvard Business School, TerraPass, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies