The popular adage that we should care for our planet because we only have one home, is very appropriate in regards to the two articles by Donald Prothero and James Payne. This is true especially when considering the already-visible damages of global warming, such as the melting arctic caps. In this regard, it is a wonder why governments of various nations, especially the industrial ones, still cannot find a lasting solution in curbing carbon dioxide emissions, given that it contributes greatly to the rising global sea levels. As such, the carbon dioxide factor as a major contributor of global warming necessitates that this problem is man-made, hence can be stopped on its tracks with appropriate will power from various industrial nations. Sadly, this is not the case and that history can attest that global warming since the dawn of the age of industrialization is on a continued, consistent and dramatic rise. In this regard, the solution then is for governments to finally realize that our planet is bound for destruction and mankind for extinction, unless carbon dioxide levels are reversed at the soonest possible time.
Donald Prothero’s article delves on the argument that global warming is not entirely a natural phenomenon, but is the consequence of man-made mismanagement brought about by irresponsible industrial practices. Some of the evidences presented by the article include carbon dioxide increase, melting polar icecaps, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Moreover, Prothero rebuts the claim being advanced by some sectors that global warming is not man-made by arguing that this phenomenon is not just natural climate inconsistency; that it is just another phase of earth’s warming episode; that it is caused by our sun, solar radiation, volcanic activities or methane gases; that global temperatures from 1995 onwards are falling; and that the planet had experienced record winter snow falls from 2009 to 2011.
In the same manner, James Payne’s article emphasizes the accuracy of the global warming prediction made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or the IPCC, that global warming is on a reverse trend since 1998. However, the article advises that this should not be a cause for positivism, given that global warming directly endangers the human race and that it is the responsibility of the government to rescue the populace from this harm despite of the government never showing good problem-solving capabilities. Moreover, Payne reminds the readers of the stance of global warming activists; that the planet’s temperature has steadily risen for the past century; that this rise will continue and affect the climate in next century; that high carbon dioxide discharge due to burning of fossil fuel is to be blamed, which will result to high human costs.
Donald Prothero has a Ph. D. degree in geological sciences from Columbia University, while James Payne is an esteemed contributor for the Independent Review. Both of their articles are written using simple words and terminologies as to allow the readers to understand clearly the arguments presented. Also, it must be noted how each argument is presented with scientific basis to strengthen its claim, which serve as proofs that the information given in these articles are factual. Some of these include the Northern Hemisphere Temperatures 5-year average chart (Prothero 2), and the credibility of the governmental panel, the IPCC (Payne 1). It is evident that the authors are highly knowledgeable in their topic, given the extensiveness of sources present in their respective articles. They also seem to cater to readers’ emotions to forward their argument, considering that both articles clearly present probable human consequences if global warming is not addressed soon.
Both Prothero’s and Payne’s article likewise share the same theme of warning to their readers. This includes the destructive consequences of not acting to stop global warming and the premise that these effects are already present in the planet. Nevertheless, Payne seems to present his arguments in a more formal manner, while Prothero in a less academic way by using less formal wordings. Moreover, Payne incorporates a government factor in his article, even stating that Washington “never fails to disappoint” (Payne 1), implying that readers should not entirely rely on the government to find a cure to the problem. In this regard, it can be assumed that Payne can substantiate Prothero’s arguments by suggesting that while industries are indeed the true culprits for global warming, there is a great need for the government to find resolve and finally implement changes that will be beneficial to mankind and the planet.
I totally agree with the two authors’ arguments on the dangers of global warming because I have seen documentaries and have read other articles that warn of the same dangers. However, I find Prothero’s article more effective due to its length which allows for more extensive topics to be discussed, as opposed to Payne’s rather short article. Hence, Prothero is able to delve not only on global warming per se, but also on various evidences of this phenomenon, the deniers’ lines of argument and scientists’ refutes, present charts to enhance readers’ visual understanding, and even articles from New York Times. In this regard, I would place my stance on Payne’s argument not to overly rely on government to find a solution to the problem, due to the premise that it has economic interests to protect and cannot be expected to admonish the multi-billion dollar industries that fuel the nation’s economy.
Upon reading the two articles I have come to understand two things: that global warming is indeed man-made, and that we cannot expect a lasting solution despite of the already-existing symptoms of ecological damage. Basically, the gravity of the problem lies in the fact that large industries cannot be expected to completely adhere to governmental legislations that limit carbon dioxide emissions, when the government is in gratitude for the large taxes it receives from these corporations. In this regard, it is my belief that a genuine lasting solution to global warming can only be achieved when every member of the society becomes fully aware of the grave danger it can cause to the planet, which in its ultimate manifestation can even cause the extinction of mankind. Hence, as individuals we can help by educating the general public that our planet is already suffering from the effects of our irresponsibility to nature.
Works cited
Payne, James. The Real Case against Activist Global Warming Policy. 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 March 2016.
Prothero, Donald. “How We Know Global Warming is Real and Human Caused.” Sceptic Magazine 17.2 (2012): 14-22. Print.
