My questions about climate change are mostly about possible solutions considering the gravity of the situation. I was already aware of some of the outcomes of climate change such as intense weather disturbances due to several events in the past (i.e. extreme flooding in some countries, among others) so I am looking forward to knowing what society can do to prevent the situation from getting worse.
As you read Chapter 1, write some of your reflections on what you are learning.
One of the most important lessons I have learned from this is the importance of climate studies. Some people would say it should only be for scientists or professionals but the issue concerns everyone so learning it is highly important.
What aspects of the chapter did you have trouble understanding? What questions do you have?
I had trouble understanding the technical aspects of the discussion, specifically the sampling of essential climate variables or other atmospheric data obtained from the earth’s surface.
Since we read that the public sector is also involved in climate observations, my question about the discussion involved the issue of possible collaboration between the public and the private sector to improve climate observations considering that the latter could provide significant funding for improvement or development projects.
What concepts did you have trouble understanding in this week's reading assignment?
Some of the concepts in Chapter 4 are also difficult to understand such as the measurement of temperature and heat. I can understand concepts and theories but not so much when it comes to sampling or numerical data that involves the application of complicated formulae.
What is the most interesting concept you have learned from this week's reading?
The most interesting concept I have learned from Chapter 5 is the study of clouds, fog, and precipitation as a means to determine or predict atmospheric stability, which then allows scientists to determine climate patterns and expected outcomes or impact on bodies of water and the climate.
What are some of your problems doing research?
Time is my main problem in doing research. I also have other issues to address so it is impossible to allocate enough time for me to do my research.
What fears do you have about writing a timed essay? (midterm)
When writing a timed essay, I worry that I would not be able to finish it and that the paper I submit is lacking.
What are some of the challenges of writing a research paper?
Putting together significant amounts of data from various sources is a challenging task because one needs to put together all sources that share the same ideas and then follow this up with ideas from sources that contribute other issues or arguments. Furthermore, organizing the research paper with different sources and ideas is also challenging.
What have you learned about your research topic that you would most like to share with others?
I would most like to share with others the various factors that lead to climate change, particularly human activities. It is true that several factors contribute to climate change but I would like for others to know that human activities, big or small, could lead to global warming and climate change.
What has been the most challenging aspect of doing this class?
Going over the readings is probably challenging considering other issues (health issues) that I needed to attend to.
What do you still need to do to complete your research paper?
I still need to gather data from existing literature to complete my research paper. This is important so I can use scholarly works to support my points and arguments.
If you could change one idea that other people have about climate change, what would it be?
If I could change any idea that other people have about climate change, it would be thought about this phenomenon being part of the earth’s ‘natural cycle’. I do not remember where I read it but some believe that climate change is only a natural part of the Earth’s ‘cycle’, comparable to the Ice Age and other global phenomenon in the past. I think some people should understand the effect of human activities on the climate.
