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Climate change has been a major concern for all countries. In the last few decades, it has been found that the rate of climate change has been increasing rapidly. The reason behind this increase is the depletion of ozone layer that is caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions. The fumes of vehicle, factory smoke, burning of fossil fuels etc. are some of the sources of such emissions. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are two of the green houses that are the most responsible for global warming. Many articles have been written with regard to the issue of global warming, some of which we will state in the following paragraphs.The articles are mainly focused around the climate change and its affect on the energy of the United States of America.
The article, ‘Fractured Lives’, by Edward Humes, from Sierra.Jul/Aug2012, Vol. 97 Issue 4, p52-59. 8p, is about the explorations of shale oil in Pennsylvania and the principle concerns about the health problems faced by the residents living near areas that are rich in gas. The health problems are caused mainly due to the process of fracking. The article gives knowledge about the various natural gas reserves as well as of the abundant shale oil found in the region. Further, it explains the steps required in the process of hydraulic fracturing. The process is, thus, used in extracting the gas available in the area. The health hazards of the people, pollution of the air and water are also mentioned. Finally, Ron Gualla, a farmer who later turned into an actisvist explains how the process of fracking had spoiled his own pastures and led to the mass killing of fishes.
Another article, ‘PA Supreme Court Ruling Jolts Shale Industry’, by Andrew Maykuth, from Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA). 12/20/2013, explains how the Government of Pennsylvania initiated efforts to control the performance of gas reserves while keeping in
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mind the interests of the residents living in the regions rich in natural gas. It also mentions that the Act 13 that had been introduced by Government Corbett and the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry in 2012 was supported as well as opposed by many justices. Many measures regarding the increasing activity of the gas industries as well as the welfare of the people were discussed. Finally, the Supreme court passed certain laws in order to control the issue.
‘Welcome to Revolution’, from Foreign Affairs. May2014, Vol. 93 Issue 3, p3-7. 5p,
is an article by L. Edward Morse that focuses on the production of energy in the US. It also looks into the increased production of shale oil and gas. It mentions that the production of shale oil and gas has overturned the position of petroleum production which was earlier known to be the highest. The author, further, explains why US had become a leader in terms of the production of natural gas and how such a production has benefitted the economy of the United States of America. The environmental problems caused by the processes of extracting oil and natural gas are also discussed. Finally, the pros and cons of the increased production of petroleum in the US and its exports of natural gas to Europe is also mentioned.
The final article, ‘Remarks by the President on Climate Change’, states the measures and actions suggested by the US President in his speech in Georgetown University, Washington D.C. He addresses students as the future of USA. In his speech, he discusses the problems caused by the burning of fossil fuels and how resources are being overused. He also mentions the problem of global warming and how people can come up with measures to overcome such a problem. He, thus, encourages the use of alternative sources of energy which is beneficial for our beautiful planet.
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Works Cited
Shah, Anup. “Climate Change and Global Warming Introduction.” Global Issues. 11 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/233/climate-change-and-global-warming-introduction>.
Office of the Press Secretary, The White House, Immediate Release, June 25, 2013, Print. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/25/remarks-president-climate-change>.
"Welcome to the Revolution."Foreign Affairs. 11 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. <http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/141202/edward-l-morse/welcome-to-the-revolution>.
Shah, Anup. “Reactions to Climate Change Negotiations and Action.” Global Issues. 05 Mar. 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/179/reactions-to-climate-change-negotiations-and-action>.
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