- What is the thesis of this video and article?
The thesis of the video and the article is that human activity is the most likely cause of global warming observed since 1950s.
- Describe the use of ethos in this argument.
Ethos appeal to ethics, and serve as a means of convincing the audience of the credibility or character of the persuader. The article and the video cite universal agreement among climate scientists that human activity is the major cause of global warming observed since the 1950s (Hennen, Miller & McLaughlin, 2013). These scientists come from all over the world and have conducted climate research over an extended period. The video cite contribution of Michael Mann, Director of Pennsylvania State University’s Earth System Science Center to add credibility.
- Is this a good source of information? Why or why not?
This is a good source of information because draws from the IPCC report on climate change. IPCC is a reliable source of information on climate change because it is a scientific intergovernmental body, instituted at the request of member governments in 1988.
- What are some of the counterarguments that are included in this video? What is the turn back/ rebuttal?
Despite the overwhelming acknowledgement for the key contribution to sea level rise from melting ice, Michael Mann claims that the projections provided by the scientists are overly conservative, when there is a published work that suggests the possibility of an upper limit. Another counterargument is that people start preparing for the change instead of ending emissions.
- What is the “big picture” the experts are discussing?
The experts believe that global warming is man made, but the solution is to prepare for the change.
- Why do you think global warming has increase so much since 1950? What is the significance of this time in history?
Global warming has increased significantly since 1950 due several reasons. Greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide concentrations since the industrial period have significantly contributed to global warming. Industrialization has increased human activities that degrade the environment. Activities such as burning coal, modern modes of transportation, industrial processes, and agricultural activities have significantly increased emissions to the atmosphere.
- Explain how global warming is related to our class discussion about globalization and McDonaldization.
Global warming is related to this class discussion about globalization and McDonaldization because the problem of global warming emanates from efforts by organizations to dominate the world on a global scale and use natural resources. For the last decades, the mainstream pro-globalization forces have ignored climate change, instead concentrated their efforts on liberalized trade. These efforts to trade liberalization only serve to make it easier for global corporations to exploit natural resources, consequently fueling global warming.
Reference:
Hennen, D., Miller, B. & McLaughlin, E.C. (September 27, 2013). U.N. climate change report points blame at humans.
